5 Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

Today’s computer-centric lifestyle means that many of us suffer from digital eye strain. The COVID pandemic and enforced working from home has only exacerbated this, with ophthalmologists the world over seeing an increase in the condition.Happily, with a little strategic effort, we can reduce the effects of staring at a screen for many hours per day. The following discusses the simple strategies we can all take to reduce the symptoms of digital eye strain.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

• Signs and symptoms of digital eye strain

Signs and symptoms of digital eye strain

Digital eye strain is the name for a group of symptoms that are caused by staring at a computer screen for excessive periods. It’s very common and appears to be increasing in prevalence.The following are some of the more common symptoms:

• Tired eyes
• Itching eyes
• Red eyes
• Watery eyes
• Double or blurred vision
• Sore eyes
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

5 Simple Steps to Reducing Digital Eye Strain

• Take action today with these simple tips to combat digital eye strain

Take action today with these simple tips to combat digital eye strain

Many people are at risk of suffering from digital eye strain. This is simply due to how much we all rely on computer screens (and phones and tablets) in today’s online world. Reducing the amount of time that you stare at a screen is the most obvious way to reduce the symptoms. However, for most of us, this isn’t possible—at least to a great extent. Therefore we need to mitigate what causes them in the first place. The following are 5 simple ways that you can help reduce the unwanted effects of digital eye strain.

1. Ensure your computer is at the right angle and distance. This is one of the greatest causes of digital eye strain. The ideal distance for the screen is at least an arm’s length away (around 20”). The top of the screen should be at, or slightly below, eye level, meaning you look downwards when viewing the center of the screen.
2. Reduce screen glare: Today’s screens have built-in filters. However, we’re often guilty of having the contrast too bright, causing us to squint against the glare. Try turning the brightness down a few notches.
3. Ensure good lighting in the surrounding area: Poor lighting can significantly contribute to digital eye strain.
4. Poor posture: Slumping in front of the screen or sitting hunched can directly impact some of the symptoms of digital eye strain, such as headaches, sore shoulders, and back.
5. Uncorrected vision issues: Failing to wear prescribed glasses or contacts while using a computer screen can have significant consequences, including increasing your symptoms of eye strain. Of course, if a refractive error is undiagnosed, this is also a contributing factor, making regular eye checks essential for anyone who uses a computer screen.

As well as these 5 steps, be sure to take regular breaks from your screen. Following the 20-20-20 rule can be helpful. This simply means that every 20 minutes you should look away from your screen for 20 seconds and stare at something around 20 feet away. If you want to improve this even further, be sure to stand up and walk away from the screen when you do so. Not only will this help reduce symptoms of digital eye strain, but it will help prevent you from sitting for long periods without getting up and walking around—something vital for whole-body health.

Reducing Digital Eye Strain and Routine Care go Hand-in-Hand: Contact the WBEC for the Ultimate in Eye Care

The West Boca Eye Center is renowned for treating some of the more serious eye-related conditions. But this academic-grade clinic with its world-beating clinicians is also committed to helping keep the nation’s eye health at its best, no matter what your age or condition.This starts with routine eye care as well as treatment for conditions such as digital eye strain.  Discover more about how you can ensure the best possible vision through your life athttps://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/routine-eye-care/  and call today to book your appointment.