We live in a digital world. During both our working hours and recreational time, digital screens are an increasingly prominent feature in our lives. As a result, most of us are spending far more time looking at a screen than our optometrists would like. The truth is that our eyes weren’t really designed to work that hard for an extended period. So, you must protect your eyes from digital strain.
Digital text can be especially hard for your eyes to process. The letters often lack the precise definition of printed text, and the screen is less likely to provide a comfortable contrast between the text and background. We often make it even worse by keeping our screens at a height, angle, and distance that make it even harder for our eyes to process. Over time, our eyes become over-worked, resulting in what your eye doctor may call digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
Visit your Mission Viejo eye doctor to learn more about how you can protect your eyes from digital strain.
How Can You Tell If You Have Digital Eye Strain?
Digital strain can be expressed in several ways. You may notice that your eyes feel unnaturally dry or that your vision is blurred. These are early symptoms that probably sound familiar if you’re in front of a screen for more than two hours a day, but it doesn’t stop there. If your eyes are being over-worked regularly, then you may notice:
- Headaches
- A Burning or Itching Sensation
- Sensitivity to Light
- Difficulty Focusing your Eyes
- Aching in your Shoulders and Neck
- Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to reduce eye strain on a daily basis.
Preventing Digital Eye Strain
In a perfect world, none of us would need to use a digital interface for more than two hours a day. However, if your job relies on you using a computer or checking your phone regularly, then that simply isn’t going to happen. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to suffer though. By adjusting the height of your monitor, implementing useful technologies, and following one basic rule, you can significantly reduce the impact of digital eye strain.
Adjusting Monitor Height
Keeping your monitor at the wrong level can severely strain your eyes as well as your shoulders and neck, resulting in a trifecta of discomfort. You should adjust your monitor so that the top of the monitor is at or just above eye level. This will allow your eyes to comfortably view the screen at a slight downward angle, where they are most comfortable. You can increase the magnification of the page you are viewing to further increase your comfort. This reduces the urge to squint and lean forward.
Using Technology
By using specialized glasses designed to block blue light and reduce glare, you can dramatically increase your comfort at work. As an easy alternative for those who already wear prescription glasses or find eyewear uncomfortable, a glare-reducing filter can be placed over your monitor’s screen.
The 20/20/20 Rule
For those long days at the office, follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for a minimum of twenty seconds. You can pair these eye-saving breaks with a trip to the watercooler, the copy machine, or whatever works for your schedule. The important thing is to take these breaks away from the screen as frequently as you can.
Getting Help When You Need It
If you are regularly experiencing eye strain despite attempting preventative measures, then you should visit your local optometrist to learn more about Lasik Orange County. At Advanced Eye Medical, Dr. Ghosheh can help you determine whether you are simply suffering from eye strain or if you have an underlying condition that is exacerbating your symptoms.