Today’s fast-paced and digital world demands that we spend countless hours in front of screens, which can cause eye strain. Eye strain can be a pain, literally. It can cause headaches, dry eyes, blurry vision, and neck and shoulder aches.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce eye strain and prevent future damage. In this article, we will discuss 15 common mistakes that lead to eye strain, along with tips on how to avoid them.
1. Not Blinking Enough
Did you know that when we stare at screens, we tend to blink less? Our eyes need moisture to stay healthy, and blinking helps to spread the tears evenly over the surface of the eye.
To prevent eye strain, make an effort to blink more when you’re looking at a screen.
2. Poor Lighting Conditions
When you’re sitting in a room with poor lighting, your eyes will work harder to see. This added strain can cause dryness, fatigue, and headaches.
To prevent eye strain, make sure that the room you’re in is well-lit, and avoid glaring or flickering lights.
3. Sitting Too Close to the Screen
Sitting too close to a screen can cause eye strain, so make sure you sit at a comfortable distance from your device.
A rule of thumb is to sit at least an arm’s length away from your screen, and adjust your screen settings and font size if necessary.
4. Screen Glare
Screen glare can be a cause of eye strain, particularly if you work in a reflective office or sit close to a window. Use anti-glare screens or glare-reducing glasses to combat this.
5. Using Screens Too Much
Spending too much time in front of screens can cause eye strain, especially if your screen time is continuous. Consider taking frequent breaks from screens to give your eyes a break, and to rest your body and mind.
The 20-20-20 rule can be useful: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds, and focus on something 20 feet away.
6. Skipping Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are important to maintain healthy eyes and to detect any eye problems early on. For people who work intensively on screens or wear glasses or contact lenses, regular eye exams are especially important.
7. Not Using Corrective Lenses
If you have a refractive error such as myopia (nearsightedness) or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), it’s important to wear the correct prescription glasses or contacts while using screens.
Using incorrect lenses can lead to eye strain and headaches.
8. Aging Eyes
As we age, our eyes become less flexible and more susceptible to dryness and fatigue. This can be alleviated by adjusting screen settings, ensuring correct lighting, and using prescription glasses (if needed).
9. Poor Posture
Poor posture, such as slouching or craning your neck forward, causes neck and shoulder pain, which can lead to eye strain. To prevent this, ensure that you sit up straight, with your feet on the ground, and your eyes looking straight ahead.
Also, adjust your screen height and angle to suit your posture.
10. Not Taking Breaks
Not taking breaks can lead to continuous staring at screens, which causes eye strain. To prevent this, try taking a short break every hour or two, and use this time to stand up, stretch, or move your eyes around.
11. Reading or Watching in the Dark
Reading or watching in the dark can be harmful to your eyes. This is because your eyes will have to work harder to adjust to the lack of light. To prevent eye strain, make sure you’re in a well-lit room.
12. Blue Light Exposure
Blue light emitted from screens can be harmful to your eyes and disrupt your sleep patterns. Consider using blue light filters or screen protectors to reduce exposure.
13. Working in Dry Environments
A dry environment, such as in an air-conditioned office or during winter months, can cause dryness and dehydration of the eyes. To prevent this, keep a humidifier in your workspace or use eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.
14. Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can cause further irritation, redness, and damage to the eyes. To prevent this, use eye drops or cold compresses to soothe any discomfort or itchiness.
15. Not Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Leading an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to eye strain and other health problems. Maintain a balanced diet, reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to keep your eyes healthy.
Conclusion
Eye strain is a common problem in today’s digital world, but fortunately, it can be prevented. By understanding the common mistakes that can lead to eye strain and taking steps to prevent them, you can keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Remember to take breaks, adjust your posture, and use corrective lenses if necessary. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to reducing eye strain and living a healthier life.
