You may have come across the notion that long periods of staring at a computer, smartphone, or any digital screen will inflict permanent damage on your eyes. Fortunately, this is akin to the old tale of “ruining your eyes” by excessive TV watching or sitting too close to the screen; it’s simply unfounded. Nevertheless, the discomfort from prolonged screen time is a familiar experience.
7 Eye Health Tips for Computer Users
Digital-induced eye strain
Digital-induced eye strain affects individuals of all ages. If you dedicate extensive hours to digital devices, you might observe blurred vision, accompanied by aching and fatigue in your eyes. Dryness, tearing, or a stinging sensation may also be symptoms. These symptoms are akin to those experienced during extended periods of reading, writing, or engaging in “close work” like sewing.
Given the unlikelihood of reducing cell phone and computer usage anytime soon, addressing related eye strain becomes crucial. Here are some tips to alleviate eye discomfort:
Tips for computer users
1. Blink Frequently:
Consciously make an effort to blink more often. The normal blink rate is about 15 times per minute, but it reduces to 5 to 7 times when using digital screens. Blinking maintains the moisture on your eyes’ surface.
2. Use Artificial Tears:
Refresh your eyes with artificial tears when they feel dry. Consider using a humidifier in dry, warm environments to add moisture to the air.
3. Follow the “20-20-20” Rule:
Adhere to the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your focus to an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
4. Employ Computer Eyeglasses:
If you spend extended hours on a computer, computer eyeglasses can reduce eye strain by focusing at an intermediate distance.
5. Adjust Brightness and Contrast:
Match your screen brightness to the surrounding light and increase contrast to reduce eye strain.
6. Reduce Glare:
Use a matte screen filter to cut down on glare from digital screens.
7. Optimize Computer Position:
Maintain a distance of about 25 inches from the screen and position it so that your gaze is slightly downward.
When using contact lenses with digital devices, follow good hygiene practices and give your eyes a break by wearing glasses. If persistent issues arise, consult an ophthalmologist.
Concerns about the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) on eyes involve issues with focusing and depth perception. AR and VR headsets, like 3-D glasses, create depth illusions by presenting different images to each eye. This can strain eyes due to the constant shift in focusing efforts. Individuals finding such devices challenging to watch may have difficulty with natural eye convergence.
