Eyestrain from Using Computer? What Can You Do?

How much time do you spend in front of your computer every day? An hour? Maybe two to six? Or does your work obligations demand sitting in front of a screen for prolonged periods? Unfortunately, you may not be able to restrict your time before a computer, and that may result in eye strain, blurry vision, headache, neck and shoulder pain, dryness, and more.

Does that mean you really can’t do anything about it? Fret not; before the symptoms worsen, tweak your habits a bit, and you may notice the difference.

Tips To Eliminate Computer Eyestrain

• Invest In Quality Glasses

One of the best approaches to prevent computer eye strain is to invest in high-quality blue-blocking glasses. Blue light during the day keeps you awake and alert; however, excessive exposure, especially during the night time wrecks your circadian rhythm. Thus, it’s essential to manage your exposure to blue light to sleep well and wake up feeling fresh and not irritate your eyes.

What does blue light does to your eyes is pretty harmful in the long run. If you’re one who works even past midnight, these glasses may help you for more comfortable viewing while working.  

• Use Eye Drops

These are effective, particularly for immediate relief. So keep any of your choicest eye drops handy and use them at least twice daily or as suggested by the doctor/ manufacturer. Keeping the eyes well lubricated helps dry, scratchy, and irritated eyes, especially when you aren’t blinking too often while working.

• Position The System Right

It’s crucial to maintain the right digital distance from the screens to prevent excessive digital eyestrain. So keep the monitor a least at an arm’s length. You must be able to see straight while your eyes stay aligned with the top of the monitor. You must also be looking downwards or directly and not upwards or too close.

• Take Breaks

We keep stressing on this one quite often – give your eyes a break in every 20 – 30 minutes and look at least 20 feet away at a distance for at least 20 seconds. It will help reduce any visual discomforts. Plus, it’ll not allow the eyes to get dry or feel itchy and red. This 20-20-20 rule is very beneficial for people who work on screens for most of their time.

• Talk To An Expert

Every 6 to 12 months, go for an eye checkup and consult the doctor with any problems you may be facing. They should be able to tell you whether the strain is resulting from excessive blue light exposure or if it’s an underlying condition, along with a few other helpful tips.

Need More Tips? Consider These:

Gently massage the areas around your eyes to give them the needed rest. Produce some warmth by rubbing your palms and apply them over closed eyes.

For your overall eye health, get ample amounts of vital vitamins, minerals, and other supplements such as Vitamin A, B complex, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and Zinc, etc. 

Prevent glare from your computer or laptop screens; also, keep the screen free from dust to avoid focusing issues.

Blink regularly while you’re staring at your computer screens to avoid dryness or redness.

Avoid using high-intensity lights that may cast shadows or create glare.

More than anything, stay hydrated throughout the day, so you don’t feel any worse.

Takeaway

The tips mentioned above should get you tremendous relief as every effort goes a long way in protecting your eyes. You’ll experience fewer discomforts, but if the problems persist, talk to a qualified optometrist for better assistance.