4 Tips to Prevent Eye Strain for Screen-Heavy Lifestyles

With the rise of remote work, online learning, and constant use of electronic devices brought on by the pandemic, many people find themselves spending more hours than ever in front of digital devices. While technology has kept us connected during these challenging times, it also contributes to a rise in digital eye strain. This condition, also known as computer vision syndrome, is becoming more common, causing discomfort and health issues such as dry eyes, eye strain headaches, and even blurry vision.

In this article, we will discuss how digital eye strain affects your eyes and offer practical tips to prevent and reduce its impact. Whether you’re working from home, gaming for hours, or binge-watching your favorite shows, these tips will help you keep your eyes healthy and pain-free.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain occurs when you spend extended periods looking at digital screens. The close distance, constant focus, and blue light emitted by these devices force your eyes to work harder than they would with non-digital tasks. Digital eye strain can cause specific vision problems which include some of the following:

• Pagkatuyo ng mga mata – The reduced blink rate when using screens leads to less moisture on the surface of the eyes.

• Paglabo ng paningin – Staring at screens for too long may temporarily blur your vision.

• Pananakit ng ulo at mata – This is caused by prolonged focus on screens that can cause pain around the eyes, temples, and forehead.

4 Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the above-mentioned symptoms. Even if your lifestyle requires you to use screens for long hours, protecting your vision is still possible! Here are four small habits that you should do for your eyes if you’re always facing the screens:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce eye strain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This is a popular eye care technique you can do to give your eyes a break from facing your digital devices for a long time.

To do this, for every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from facing your screens, and then look at something 20 feet away. This technique relaxes the focusing muscles in your eyes and allows them to rest. Set reminders on your phone or computer to ensure you take regular breaks.

2. Adjust Your Screen Settings and Working Posture

Reducing brightness and using an anti-glare screen protector can help minimize the impact of blue light and prevent dry eyes. Most devices also offer a "night mode" or "blue light filter" that you can activate to reduce the strain on your eyes, especially in dimly lit environments.

In addition, adjust your working posture as well by ensuring to keep a comfortable distance from your screen. The closer you are to a screen, the harder your eyes have to work. Ideally, your screen should be positioned about an arm's length away (roughly 20-24 inches) from your face, and the top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level. This reduces the strain on your eyes and neck.

3. Blink More Often

When using digital devices like computers or smartphones, you tend to blink less frequently for up to 66% less. This reduced blinking can lead to dry and irritated eyes.

Blinking is essential to keep your eyes moist, as it spreads moisture and mucus across the surface of your eyes, preventing them from drying out. Make a conscious effort to blink more often while using screens and take regular breaks to rest your eyes and maintain proper moisture levels.

4. Use Lubricating Eye Drops

For those experiencing persistent dryness or discomfort, lubricating eye drops can offer relief. Lubricating eye drops are specifically designed to provide moisture and soothe irritated eyes. These drops are ideal for individuals who suffer from dry eyes after long hours of screen exposure. Use them as needed to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day.

At the end of it all, taking regular breaks from screens is crucial for giving your eyes time to rest and recover from digital strain. Use your breaks wisely by engaging in non-digital activities to reset your eyes. In today's screen-heavy world, eye strain is inevitable, but it can be managed through a few simple adjustments.

Overall, practicing good habits and using the right eye care products can keep your eyes healthy and comfortable despite embracing a screen-heavy lifestyle. Remember, protecting your vision now helps ensure better eye health in the future. Stay safe and care for your eyes, Kapitbahay! — (MyPharma)