Important Tips for Protecting Eyes from Eye Strain While Using Screens
People’s dependency on digital devices has increased significantly. Indeed, you can hardly go a day without accessing a smartphone, tablet, or computer for several hours. Unfortunately, although these devices help in many aspects of life, their use affects your eyesight. Continue reading to learn about eye strain and when to visit an optometrist near you.
What is Digital Eye Strain?
It is a term used for various eye conditions and vision-related symptoms linked to the prolonged use of digital devices. The problem affects people of all ages. It is because almost everyone has access to mobile phones, computers, and tablets. Digital eye strain is also named computer vision syndrome or visual fatigue.
According to our optometrist in Monterey, the main cause of digital eye strain or DES is prolonged screen time. Normally, you should blink about 15 times a minute. This is because it keeps the front surface of your eye moist and clears stuck particles. However, when you spend two or more hours looking at a digital device, the number of blinks reduces. This leads to DES.
Using two or more devices regularly at the same time also leads to DES. The condition occurs because these devices have different screen glares. Another cause is the angle and distance from which you view the device. Another factor is the amount of light in the environment you are using the digital devices.
The symptoms of digital eye strain are blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. You may also have eye discomfort, irritation, and sensitivity to bright lights. Sometimes, you can have difficulty refocusing your eyes from near to distant objects and from remote to near objects. Visit our Monterey eye doctor if you have these symptoms.
Important Tips to Protect Eyes from Digital Eye Strain While Using Screens
You can protect your eyes from digital eye strain by following the tips below:
1. Take Regular Eye Breaks
Take regular eye breaks from staring at the devices to prevent eye strain. Optometrists recommend taking a break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. During the break, look at objects located 20 feet away. It assists your eyes in relaxing and refocusing.
2. Use Special Filters
Use special filters to reduce the glare emitted by your computer or tablet screens. They reduce the exposure of the screen’s light to your eyes, preventing DES. You can also use blinds or shades to control the room’s lighting.
3. Remember to Blink
Remember to blink when using digital devices for a long time. This will keep the front surface of your eyes moist and clean reducing the risk of dry eye. Use artificial tears to refresh your eyes.
4. Have a Comfortable Working Space
Ensure you have a comfortable working space. It should allow you to keep your digital device at an angle that will help prevent DES. Computer screens are viewed with a horizontal gaze causing your eyes to open wider. As a result, the tear film evaporates, leading to dry eye.
5. Keep Your Devices at Right Distance
Keep your device at the right distance. When the devices are too close to the eyes, the eye muscles that help you focus on incoming light contract. If you stare at the device for more than two hours, its contraction results in eye strain. When using digital screens, keep them at least 30 centimeters away from your eyes.
6. Lighting in the Room
Ensure the lighting in the room you use the devices in is not too bright or dim. Bright light in the surrounding environment competes with the screen’s glow. Suppose the surrounding light is too dark; your pupil will increase in size. This allows sufficient light to enter the eye for you to see well. Remaining in either position for several hours leads to increased eye strain.
7. Get Regular Eye Exams
Get regular eye exams from our Monterey eye doctor. The expert will help prevent eye strain caused by digital device use. They can also customize a special pair of glasses to wear when working on the computer. These correct vision problems and increase your eyes’ comfort using digital devices.
Visit an Optometrist Near You
Eye strain while using digital devices is quite common. Therefore, you should protect your eyes to avoid eye strain. You should also visit your optometrist regularly for checkups and more tips to prevent eye strain. If you are looking for an optometrist in Monterey, contact us at Eye MD Monterey – Cass today!