Over time, screens can be extremely harmful to your optical health, even having the potential to cause vision loss later in life. To protect your eyes now from devastating effects later, consider meeting with a professional optometrist to discuss your options, such as glare reduction lenses for example.
There are several ways you can prevent eye stress and damage as a result of screen time
There are many different causes of eye irritation. Eye irritation as a result of screen time is extremely common among adults. Here are just a few ways to prevent it.
1. Take frequent breaks. Have you heard of the 20/20/20 rule?
It’s important to give your eyes short, frequent breaks since eyestrain begins before you even realize. Don’t forget the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, fixate your eyes on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Set a timer if you have to! At the end of your workday, you’ll notice your eyes will feel a lot more comfortable and refreshed.
2. Adjust your computer monitor
This can make a bigger difference than you think, and not just for your neck and posture. If you constantly look downward at work, your eyes are putting in the unnecessary effort, adding to the strain that already comes with looking at a screen. Make sure your monitor is level with your eyes in their resting position—usually straight ahead or ever so slightly downward-facing. If your monitor can’t adjust this high, place a few heavy books underneath it.
3. Adjust your phone and computer screen settings
Now that most companies are aware of the dangers of excess screen exposure, many smartphones and computers are equipped with blue light timers that adjust the colors in your screen throughout the day.However, it’s best to have these settings equipped all day, not just when the sun is setting. This will provide a more relaxed atmosphere for your eyes.
4. If you need to wear glasses, consider glare reduction lenses.
These anti-glare lenses are specifically designed to prevent glare and reflections from both the front and back of the lens. Compared with lenses that have not been coated with an anti-glare solution, anti-glare lenses provide the user with greater comfort during prolonged screen usage.
Be sure to speak with your optometrist about caring for your glare reduction glasses, since some cleaners are more abrasive than others and could damage the unique coating.
5. Protect your eyes in the sun, too.
Just because you’ve taken steps to protect your eyes while using the computer doesn’t mean they’re safe from the sun! When it comes to safe and reliable outdoor protection, try UV sunglasses, protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement—they can protect you from future cataracts, macular degeneration, and vision loss.
Consult a professional optometrist to discuss how to best protect your eyes
Even if you don’t need new glasses, you should always keep up with visits to a professional optometrist to maintain good optical health. A professional optometrist can guide you to keep your eyes at their healthiest while protecting against screen-related damage. Eyestrain from excess screen exposure is becoming more and more common, but the good news is that it’s preventable.