Health

Ways to keep your eyes safe from prolonged computer use

Learn how to keep your eyes safe and healthy from prolonged computer use with these tips by wandaparkinson
Estimated reading time: 3 min 28 sec
Ways to keep your eyes safe from prolonged computer use

In today’s digital world, many of us spend extended periods of time staring at computer screens.

Whether it’s for work or leisure, this prolonged use can lead to a variety of eye-related problems, including eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep your eyes safe from the effects of prolonged computer use.

Adjust Your Computer Setup

One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes is to adjust your computer setup. Position your computer screen so that it’s about 20 to 24 inches away from your eyes.

Your screen should also be at or slightly below eye level, which will help reduce glare and strain on your eyes. Additionally, adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screen can help ease eye fatigue.

Take Breaks Regularly

Another important step in protecting your eyes is taking regular breaks from the screen. It’s recommended that you take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away. This will make a big difference in reducing eye strain.

You can also try the 20-20-20 rule, which means taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Blink More Often

Staring at a computer screen for extended periods can cause us to blink less often, which can lead to dry and irritated eyes. To combat this, try to blink more often. One tip is to set a reminder on your phone or computer to blink every few minutes.

Eye drops can also help keep your eyes lubricated and prevent dryness.

Reduce Glare

Glare on your computer screen can cause eye strain and fatigue. To reduce glare, try placing a filter over your screen or adjusting the lighting in your workspace. Avoid placing your monitor in front of a window or a bright light source as well.

Additionally, you can try adjusting the brightness and contrast on your computer screen to help reduce glare.

Practice the Right Reading Habits

When reading from a computer screen, it’s important to follow the right habits to prevent eye fatigue. Avoid reading for long periods without taking breaks, as this can cause eye strain.

Related Article Prevent eye fatigue and strain when using a computer Prevent eye fatigue and strain when using a computer

Instead, practice active reading by taking breaks every 20 minutes. Additionally, it’s important to adjust your font size appropriately. If your text is too small, you may need to strain your eyes to read it, which can lead to fatigue.

Visit Your Optometrist Regularly

Regular visits to your optometrist can help you keep your eyes safe and healthy. They can detect any vision problems or eye diseases early on, before they become more serious.

Additionally, your optometrist can provide you with personalized recommendations to help reduce eye strain related to computer use.

Use Computer Glasses

Computer glasses are designed with features that make it easier to look at a computer screen for extended periods. These glasses typically filter blue light, reduce glare, and improve contrast.

They are ideal for people who spend several hours each day staring at a computer screen.

Adjust Your Room Lighting

The lighting in your room can also affect how your eyes feel after prolonged computer use. It’s important to have good lighting, but too much or too little can contribute to eye strain.

Try to use lighting that’s comfortable for your eyes and avoid glare from windows or overhead lighting. Dimmed lights, floor lamps, or desk lamps can provide a more comfortable environment for your eyes.

Stretch and Exercise Your Eyes

Eye exercises can also help relieve eye strain caused by prolonged computer use. Try the 20-20-20 rule, which involves focusing on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Additionally, you can try doing eye yoga, which involves stretching and relaxing your eyes to relieve tension. An example of an eye yoga technique is to rub your hands together vigorously, then place them over your eyes and breathe deeply.

Conclusion

Staring at a computer screen for extended periods can be harmful to your eyes. However, by following the tips above and taking breaks regularly, you can reduce eye strain and prevent eye problems.

Don’t forget to consult with your optometrist if you experience any persistent eye problems or discomfort.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check How stress can damage your eyes and accelerate aging How stress can damage your eyes and accelerate aging Surprising triggers for headache pain you might be overlooking Surprising triggers for headache pain you might be overlooking Understanding the different types of eye diseases Understanding the different types of eye diseases The Dark Side of Technology: Digital Syndrome Syndrome The Dark Side of Technology: Digital Syndrome Syndrome Is Your Vision Blurry in the Morning? Here’s What to Do Is Your Vision Blurry in the Morning? Here’s What to Do Can your eyes give away high cholesterol? Yes, they can. Can your eyes give away high cholesterol? Yes, they can. Winter dryness and your eyes: 8 ways to cope Winter dryness and your eyes: 8 ways to cope Warning Signs of Diabetes for Kids Aged 8 and Above Warning Signs of Diabetes for Kids Aged 8 and Above Carpal Tunnel & Computers: Separating Myths from Reality Carpal Tunnel & Computers: Separating Myths from Reality Surviving winter with dry eyes: Tips and tricks that work Surviving winter with dry eyes: Tips and tricks that work Prevent eye strain by heeding these tips Prevent eye strain by heeding these tips One simple pencil trick that relieves headaches One simple pencil trick that relieves headaches How Improper Computer Use Can Hold You Back How Improper Computer Use Can Hold You Back 10 Health Problems that Reflect Your Dream Life 10 Health Problems that Reflect Your Dream Life 30 signs you’re not getting enough ‘good’ fat in your diet 30 signs you’re not getting enough ‘good’ fat in your diet 30 tips for protecting your eyes from computer screens 30 tips for protecting your eyes from computer screens The Science Behind Never-Ending Tears: 6 Reasons Your Eyes Keep Watering The Science Behind Never-Ending Tears: 6 Reasons Your Eyes Keep Watering Gingival sensitivity and conjunctival redness Gingival sensitivity and conjunctival redness 7 tricks to reduce eye strain from computer use 7 tricks to reduce eye strain from computer use The silent killer: How to prevent and diagnose hypertension The silent killer: How to prevent and diagnose hypertension Does sleeping with the TV on affect your health? Does sleeping with the TV on affect your health? Understanding Eye Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Understanding Eye Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment Is Blue Light Harmful to Our Health? Is Blue Light Harmful to Our Health? The Most Common Symptoms of Eye Inflammation The Most Common Symptoms of Eye Inflammation Discover What’s Causing Your Morning Headaches Discover What’s Causing Your Morning Headaches Tablet reading vs. traditional reading: which is better for your child? Tablet reading vs. traditional reading: which is better for your child? The dangers of prolonged computer use on your eyes The dangers of prolonged computer use on your eyes Don’t Let Eye Problems Ruin Your Holidays: Tips for Eye Protection Don’t Let Eye Problems Ruin Your Holidays: Tips for Eye Protection Sjögren’s Syndrome: An Autoimmune Condition Sjögren’s Syndrome: An Autoimmune Condition Take this 5-second test to check for astigmatism! Take this 5-second test to check for astigmatism!
To top