Whether from home or at the office, whether for business or leisure, most of us use a computer several times a week; with recent lockdowns, our online time has only increased. If you’re on your computer for hours each day, you probably know eye strain all too well: the annoying watery feeling accompanied by heavy eyelids, frequent blinking and headaches. Other symptoms might include your eyes burning or itching, soreness in your upper torso, and difficulty concentrating. If you’re a professional with lots of time online, that last symptom is particularly detestable.
Caring for your eyesight is not just a matter of comfort; it’s a matter of health and productivity as well. Excessive effort from your eyes can deteriorate your vision over time, causing permanent damage. If you work using a computer, the fatigue and headaches one gets can also seriously impact the quality and efficiency of your work. If you’re hoping to avoid any of these pitfalls, there are some small measures you can use to keep your eyes refreshed.
Always Have the Lights On
If you’re frequently using any electronic device, it’s a good idea to do so in decent lighting; staring directly into a bright computer in a dark room can compound your problem. We’re not naturally used to processing the artificial light which emanates from our screens and receiving that light without mitigation can overexert your retina.
Avoid leaning in too close while using your computer; that allows the light to diffuse somewhat. If you’re online at night, make sure you’re somewhere brightly lit! A lamp is decent, but a proper room light is preferable. Remember, the effects of strain are gradual, so just because you don’t feel any at the moment doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be safe.
Regular eye examinations
Your eye health can be adversely affected by looking at computer screens. Constantly viewing a screen can cause eyestrain and headaches, as well as dry eyes and eye fatigue. In addition, looking at a screen for long periods can lead to eye fatigue and blurred vision. Additionally, looking at computer screens can reduce your visual acuity, which can affect your ability to drive and do other activities that require good vision. Even though eye strain does not have any lengthy effects, the retina may be harmed by the screen’s constant, lower wavelengths of sufficient power. Constant strain from focusing on a laptop or other adjacent things prevents the visual muscles from being able to relax or recover. It can also lead to dry eye syndrome, which is an inflammation of the eye tissues. There is absolutely nothing you can do to restore your vision if it is lost. Because of this, it’s crucial to give them the right protection. Therefore, it’s crucial to get medical help. Through comprehensive eye screenings, eye experts are able to identify injuries, vision problems, and eye diseases. Regular examinations can detect early indications of fatness, high cholesterol, tumors, and other psychological problems in addition to color perception. You must consult with an eye specialist at Drdorioeyecare if you want to keep your eyes healthy and have clear vision. These specialists will identify the source of your vision issues and provide you with professional treatment options that are tailored to your individual requirements.
Look into Eyewear
Plenty of people have reading glasses; you might be one such person yourself. If you already use occasional glasses, consult your optometrist regarding computer glasses as well! Your vision needn’t be risked any further. Also, your medical professional will be able to confirm for you whether your vision is healthy or strained. You might see ads for polarized glasses or light-filtering glasses which claim to completely protect you from negative effects, but it’s always better to ask your specialist first about what reliable options there are.
Over the Counter Products
This one is especially helpful if your eyes are dry or burning. Artificial tears, which are available in many pharmacies, have a composition similar to real tears, and they serve the same purpose. Even if your eyes aren’t itching or burning, they can be used preventatively! If you have trouble finding artificial tears, saline solution is another safe alternative, especially the sort sold with contact lenses.
Take Frequent Breaks
Even if you’re an office worker, this one will be more benefit than drawback in the long run. If you try to force yourself to concentrate while strained, you’ll only find more of your time wasted, so it’s best to simply step away and come back after a few minutes. After a brief walk or trip to the bathroom, you’ll find both your eyes and your productivity feeling much smoother.
Now that you know what it takes to limit the effects of computer eye strain, are you prepared to take action? Do all of the above and you’ll certainly feel a huge difference in how your eyes feel when they get too much screen time.
