8 Simple Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain and Vision Problems
by Aaron Barriga (guest author)

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Let’s be honest, we spend a LOT of time staring at digital screens. Unfortunately, exposure to electronic screens can have a major impact on eye health. A number of problems with vision occur due to excessive use of digital devices, giving rise to terms such as “digital eye strain” or “computer vision syndrome”.

Follow these 8 tips to keep your eyes healthy:

1. Avoid Poor Lighting – Staring at electronic screens is even more harmful when you’re doing it in excessively bright or low light. Don’t work directly under harsh fluorescent lights, and close curtains, blinds or shades if sunlight is too intense. Try to work with a light source positioned to the side instead of behind or in front of the screen.

1. Take Regular Breaks – Take frequent breaks, head out for a walk, stretch your muscles, or grab a quick snack. Stepping away from your computer screen or putting down your phone/tablet for a few minutes can make a big difference not only to your eyes, but also your neck, shoulders and back. It could also increase your productivity!

1. Blink Frequently – It can be hard to look away from the latest movie/TV show, a fast-paced video game or even your homework, but using digital screens without blinking can cause dryness and irritation. We tend to blink less often while using electronic screens than we do in natural light, so try to blink more and keep your eyes moist.

1. Do Eye Exercises – Eyes become tired while constantly focusing on screens, but exercises for eye health can help overcome focusing fatigue. Try the 20-20-20 exercise, looking away from the screen every 20 minutes, at an object 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. Alternatively, look at a distant object and then a nearby one for 10-15 seconds.

1. Adjust the Display – Changing the display settings for your computer, phone and tablet is a good way to reduce the amount of strain on your eyes. Keep brightness levels approximately the same as ambient light around you, reduce the color temperature, and adjust contrast and text size on the monitor till you can read easily without any strain.

1. Use the Right Position – Avoid sitting too close to a computer or TV screen, or tilting your head upward to look at it. Sit an arm’s length away, with devices slightly below eye level and directly in front of you. While using phones or tablets, keep them below your eye level and as far as possible (where you can still read what’s on the screen).

1. Get Enough Rest – It seems almost impossible to leave digital devices alone, but your eyes will thank you for giving them a break. Limit your use of electronic screens as far as you can, especially right before bedtime. Using backlit screens in the dark is practically guaranteed to cause eye strain, and it can also affect how well you sleep.

1. Get an Eye Exam – A comprehensive eye exam twice a year can help keep vision problems in check. If you use electronic screens often but haven’t had an eye test in over a year, make an appointment. If you don’t want to wear prescription glasses or lenses, ask your eye doctor about corrective treatment options such as LASIK

Whether messaging friends, completing school work, checking social media updates, or playing online games, we’re clocking in some heavy screen time these days. Give your eyes some rest – the devices will still be there, but your eyesight could be affected forever if you aren’t careful!

Author Bio:
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Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.