How to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

According to The Vision Council, nearly 70 percent of American adults experience some form of digital eye strain, discomfort felt in the eyes after staring at a computer, or other digital device screen for two or more hours at a time. Common symptoms include red eyes, eye twitching, dry eyes and headaches. If this sounds familiar, try the following eye safety tips from Laser Eye Center^™ to help protect your vision from digital eye strain.

Adjust the Light Around You

Simple modifications to your work environment can drastically help your computer eye vision. When possible, close the curtains or blinds to avoid screen glare caused by sunlight. Avoid working underneath overhead fluorescent lights and instead, use floor lamps with fewer bulbs or lower intensity bulbs that provide indirect lighting.

If your office has a window, try positioning your computer screen to the side of the window instead of in front of it or behind it. If you still have trouble seeing your computer screen even after making these modifications, try installing an anti-glare screen on your monitor.

Modify Your Display Settings

The brightness on your computer or smartphone screen should approximately match the brightness of your surroundings. If a computer screen is too bright or too dark compared to the room you’re in, you may strain your eyes by forcing them to focus too much. You can also make reading easier by changing the text size and contrast on the screen.

Exercise Your Eyes

Avoid eye fatigue by trying any of the following eye exercises:

• Look away from your screen every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object that’s at least 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds. Eye doctors call this the “20-20-20 rule.”
• Or, try looking far away at an object for 10 to 15 seconds and then gazing at something up close for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat this 10 times.
• You can also soothe tension by closing your eyes and placing the centers of your palms over them. Take deep slow breaths and relax your eye muscles.

Blink More Often

We tend to blink about two-thirds less than normal when using a computer. Try blinking 10 times every 20 minutes very slowly, as if falling asleep. This gives your eyes some much-needed moisture and prevents dry eyes and irritation.

Consider Computer Glasses

Computer glasses use prescribed lenses to make it easier for you to read or see your computer screen. Be aware that computer glasses often use a different prescription than regular eyeglasses or reading glasses, so they are usually not suitable for driving or general purpose wear. Consult with an eye doctor to see if computer glasses are an option for you.

Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Laser Eye Center^™

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends people who work with computers schedule a comprehensive eye exam before starting work and once a year thereafter. However, anyone who spends hours in front of a digital screen can experience some form of digital eye strain. Take the next step in protecting your vision by reaching out to Laser Eye Center^™. One of our trusted vision experts will gladly answer all of your questions and provide tips on how to better protect your eyes against digital eye strain. Please schedule a one-on-one appointment today by calling 800-80-LASER (52737) today.