HOW TO RELIEVE DIGITAL EYE STRAIN
Now more than ever we rely on computers, tablets, televisions and smartphones for everyday life. Unfortunately this comes at a price for our eyes. Nearly 70 percent of American adults experience some form of digital eye strain, which can include red eyes, eye twitching, dry eyes and headaches. If these symptoms sound familiar, here are a few tips on how to better protect your vision from digital eye strain.
Use Proper Lighting
Bright outdoor sunlight or interior lighting may cause computer eye strain. When using a computer, the light around you should only be about half as bright as what’s typically found in most offices. Avoid having too much sun come into the room by closing the curtains and blinds. If you work near a window, position your computer screen to the side of the window instead of in front of it or behind it.
You can also reduce interior lighting by using fewer bulbs or lower intensity bulbs. If possible, avoid working underneath overhead fluorescent lights by using floor lamps instead.
Minimize Glare
Reflections and glare on screens can strain your eyes by making them work harder to focus. The quick fix is covering windows that block outdoor light from reflecting onto the screen. If this is not enough, consider installing an anti-glare screen on your monitor. If you wear glasses, anti-reflective coating on lenses can help reduce glare.
Upgrade to an LCD Screen
Sleek, thin and flat LCD monitors have been quickly replacing the older style cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. Not only are LCD monitors lighter and nicer to look at, but they have an anti-reflective surface that reduces eye strain. When choosing a new LCD monitor, select one with the highest resolution possible. Choose a display with a “dot pitch” of .28 mm or smaller. The lower the dot pitch, the sharper the image.
Blink More Often
Believe it or not, we tend to blink much less while using a computer — about one-third as often as we normally do. Blinking moistens the eyes and prevents dryness and irritation. To avoid dry eyes, try blinking 10 times every 20 minutes. Close your eyes very slowly each time, as if falling asleep.
Take Frequent Breaks
There are many benefits to taking frequent breaks from your computer desk. A break from your computer screen can refresh your eyes and help avoid neck, back and shoulder pain. Sitting in one place for an extended period of time can cause tension or muscle fatigue.
Research also shows that frequent breaks can even increase your productivity at work. Refresh your mind and body by standing up, moving about and stretching your arms, legs, neck and back.
Upgrade Your Monitor Display Settings
Reduce the amount of direct lighting your eyes are exposed to by adjusting the computer screen brightness. Try adjusting the brightness so that it approximates the brightness of your surroundings. As a guide, look at the white background of a web page or word processing document. The screen may be too bright if it looks like a light source. If the screen looks too dull or gray, it may be too dark. Adjust the text size and contrast on the screen to make reading easier.
Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam with King LASIK
Optimal eye health starts with a proper eye exam. The trusted eye surgeons at King LASIK can conduct a comprehensive vision exam and address any concerns you may have. Schedule a complimentary appointment today by calling (877) 551-2020.