As we spend more and more time staring at screens, digital eye strain has become a growing concern for many people. Whether it’s staring at a laptop at work, scrolling through social media on your phone, playing your favourite game, or streaming a movie on your tablet, prolonged screen time can take a toll on our eyes.
That’s where Optical Alliance optometrists can help! In this blog post, we’ll share some tips from our optometrists on how to manage digital eye strain, keep your eyes healthy and keep your vision in check.
Prioritise Frequent Screen Breaks
Our optometrists recommend taking frequent breaks from your screen. Every 20 minutes or so, take a break and look away from the screen. This will give your eyes a chance to rest and relax. You can also try the 20-20-20 rule! For every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away. Implementing this rule will help reduce the risk of digital eye strain.
Adjust Your Screen Settings
Another simple tip is to adjust your screen settings for eye comfort. Make sure that the brightness and contrast of your screen are set to comfortable levels for your eyes. You should also ensure that the text on your screen is large enough to read comfortably. This will help to reduce the strain on your eyes. Try to use eye-comfort mode wherever possible.
Remind Yourself To Blink
This may seem straightforward, but we suggest that you force yourself to blink frequently and even use artificial tears if needed. The fact is that we tend to blink less when staring at screens, which can lead to dry eyes. To avoid this, make a conscious effort to blink more frequently. If your eyes are feeling dry, you can also use artificial tears to keep them lubricated.
Regular Check-Ups
Getting an annual eye exam is important to ensure your eyes are healthy. Digital eye strain can be a sign of an underlying problem with your vision. By getting an annual eye exam, optometrists can detect any issues early on and provide the necessary treatment. While digital eye strain is a rising concern, it is manageable if you are sure to take care of yourself.
If you’re looking for professional optometrists, be sure to reach out to our team at Optical Alliance today to discuss how we can help you take care of your vision with regular check-ups, quality optical products, and more.
