Digital Eye Strain

We spend so much of our lives in front of digital devices.

Whether it’s computers, smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc – Digital Eye Strain (DES) is becoming more of a problem.

Here’s 6 tips to help you battle Digital Eye Strain associated with Computer Vision Syndrome.

(1) Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at an object that is at least 20 feet away from you, for 20 seconds. This helps keep your focusing system relaxed by giving it micro-breaks throughout the day.

(2) Proper Document Placement

If you are viewing both a computer screen and a paper document, place it so that you do NOT have to move your head. It is often best to place the document above your keyboard but below your computer monitor; or you could put it to the side of your computer screen. This helps reduce neck strain by not having to move your head.

(3) Reduce Glare

Make sure that window glare is not reflecting off of your digital device screen.

Also, you don’t have to have your screen at 100% contrast! Tone it down.

You can also place a glare-reducing screen on your device screen or put an anti-reflective coating on your eyeglass lenses.

(4) Body Position

Position yourself so that your head and torso are in upright positions and your back is supported by a chair.

Ideally, your computer screen should be about 4 to 5 inches below eye level and about 20 to 28 inches from you.

(5) Blink

Sounds obvious, but don’t forget to blink! Any digital device causes you to blink less and sometimes blink incompletely, so don’t forget to blink fully and frequently. Dry eye is a common problem with DES due to the effect on the blink rate.

(6) Have regular Eye Exams

It is important to have annual eye exams with your optometrist so that any eye problems can be addressed, including fatigue and dry eye.

If needed, we can recommend special anti-fatigue eyeglasses lenses.

 

 

Top image by StartUpStockPhotos on Pexels (location) used under Creative Commons Zero (CCO) License. Image has been cropped and modified from original. Image rights state commercial use and modifications allowed when image was obtained on 04/05/2018.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.