After actively concentrating on an activity like staring at a computer screen, reading a book, or operating a vehicle for an extended amount of time, your eyes may feel worn out or irritated. Eyestrain is the term for this. The problem of eyestrain is frequent and in the age of digital technology, it happens even more frequently. Computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain is the most common name for the eye strain brought on by using digital devices like computers, cell phones, and tablets. In general, noninvasive techniques can be used to cure eyestrain. Long-lasting eye discomfort or strain might indicate a more serious condition, so you should talk to your doctor about it.
Tips to Avoid Eyestrain
You may take a few easy steps to assist prevent eyestrain. Some of these can even be started right now.
1. Frequently looking away, or the 20-20-20 rule
When you focus on one task for an extended amount of time without taking a break, eyestrain frequently results. Every 20 minutes, change your attention to something unrelated to the task. You should focus on anything that is at least 20 feet away and for at least 20 seconds at a time. The 20-20-20 rule applies here. You should turn away from an intense task for numerous hours during the day in addition to looking away every 20 minutes. If you must spend several hours driving or working at a screen, be sure to alternate those activities with others that require different eye functions. Take a walk outside in the daylight during your lunch break, for instance, if you worked on a computer all morning.
2. Choose the proper light
Eye strain may result from lighting. Depending on the activity, it may be either too dark or too light. If you’re reading or something else that requires deep concentration, the light should come from behind you. When watching TV, dimming the lighting may assist decrease eyestrain. Verify the lighting on the displays you’re using as well. If necessary, adjust the brightness. Try covering windows or using filters to decrease glare on your digital device because glare can cause eyestrain.
3. Put your screen in place
Verify that you are positioned and at a suitable distance from your digital gadget. Your eyes should be a few feet or an arm’s length away from the screen. The screen should be viewed at or just slightly below eye level. You should read from portable digital devices below eye level as well. Another helpful technique for using digital devices is to increase the font size on the screen to your preferred degree of comfort. Most likely, the settings on your device allow you to change the text size.
4. Apply eye drops
The number of times you blink each minute can be significantly reduced while you are concentrating hard, especially when looking at a screen. Less blinking can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes. Artificial tears or other eye drops might help you with this. To avoid the condition, you may also try to blink more frequently when looking at a screen.
5. Use appropriate eyewear
Determine whether you require special or clear eyeglasses to lessen eyestrain by consulting your doctor. For the activity that strains your eyes, you could even require specialist glasses, equipment, or eye treatment. Your eyes may benefit from certain coatings and tints for lenses. Or you could discover that you need to reduce the amount of time you wear contacts to give your eyes a break.
Conclusion
To prevent future vision issues that are more severe, it’s important to maintain good eye health. A yearly eye exam should be scheduled with your doctor, especially if you often or persistently have eyestrain. If you notice that you are experiencing signs of eyestrain, try the following strategies to lessen or avoid it completely. Consult your doctor if you discover that these methods are ineffective in reducing your eyestrain.
