5 tips for surviving digital eye strain

We spend a lot of time on our devices — phones, computers, tablets — and it’s taking a toll on our eyes. Dry, itchy, tired eyes, known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, are all too common. But don’t fret. Here are five simple ways to give your eyes a break. 

Too much screen time can harm your eyes and lead to headaches, poor sleep and reduced productivity. Protect your vision with routine eye exams; it’s recommended to have a comprehensive check-up annually if you’re over 17.

Routine eye exams are important for detecting and addressing vision and eye problems early. Comprehensive vision exams can also detect several larger health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, glaucoma, autoimmune disorders and cancer. Because of this, it is recommended to get a comprehensive eye exam once a year if you’re over 17 years old. However, your provider may suggest less frequent check-ups if you’re in good health.

• Use a screen glare filter. Anti-glare filters minimize reflections on your screen, reducing discomfort and fatigue.
• Sit a proper distance. Keep your screen 20-24 inches away, with the top at or just below eye level. This setup eases strain on your eyes and neck. This is especially important if you wear bifocal glasses.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple trick helps your eyes relax and reduces fatigue.
• Blink more often. We blink less when staring at screens, leading to dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink frequently. If dryness persists, consider using artificial tears.
• Adjust your screen settings. Optimize brightness, contrast and text size for easy reading. Match your screen brightness to the surrounding light and use night mode in the evening to protect your eyes and improve sleep. 

Taking care of your eyes today can prevent serious issues tomorrow. Follow these tips to reduce discomfort and enjoy your screen time safely.