Millions of Americans have noticed symptoms of “Computer Vision Syndrome,” such as eye strain or tiredness, dryness, and headaches. As computer and digital screen use has become increasingly prevalent both during the work day and during leisurely time, more and more people have approached their eye doctors with these symptoms. Below are a few tips you can take to reduce the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome and decrease digital eye strain.
See Your Eye Doctor
Your optometrist at Neal Eye Group knows how to recognize and treat the signs and symptoms of computer vision syndrome. For those professionals that cannot avoid extensive hours of computer work, a pair of computer glasses should be considered. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist can write a customized prescription to be used on the computer that takes your eye sight and your specific computer needs into account. Many people also benefit from the use of progressive lenses when using the computer; this special lens design includes a personalized prescription specifically designated for intermediate distances like computer work.
Remember to Blink
When we spend an extended amount of time staring at a computer or digital screen, we tend to blink less often than normal. In fact, experts agree that during computer use, we blink about a third as often as we should. Blinking is what is responsible for nourishing our eyes with tears and keeping them lubricated and comfortable, so the decreased blink rate experienced during computer work tends to cause dryness and irritation. In order to prevent this dryness, take time to remind yourself to blink! In some cases, artificial tears can help keep the eye comfortable during computer use.
Use the 20-20-20 Rule
Spending hours reading computer screens places a strain on the focusing system of your eye; this often leads to the eyes feeling tired, and can occasionally cause headaches. To prevent focusing fatigue, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object that is 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. This exercise provides relief to the focusing system, and can prevent some of the strain and headaches that many computer users experience.
Adjust Your Screen
Many people find that some symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome are relieved or lessened simply by adjusting their screen settings or location. Try altering the brightness, display size, and position of your monitor to find the settings that work best for your visual demands.
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