Do you work in front of a computer all day? Is your favorite way to relax at the end of the day watching television?
We live in a time where trying to avoid or reduce your screen time is challenging. We rely on these different devices to stay connected.
It’s a way to do work, take pictures, buy things, keep track of our schedules and so much more. Keep reading to learn if you should reduce your screen time usage.
How does looking at screens affect your eyes?
Looking at different screens and devices impacts your eyes in a variety of ways. The main effect of looking at screens is that they reduce the number of times we blink.
When we look at screens and devices, we blink less. This causes us to get dry eyes. When we use our different digital devices, we blink about half as much as we need to.
Blinking is important because it helps keep your eyes moist and lubricated. Some symptoms of dry eye are irritation, burning, blurry vision, tired eyes, and strain.
All these symptoms can give you eye strain, headaches, and stress. When you experience discomfort from looking at screens, it can get worse over time.
Some people even refer to these symptoms as “computer vision syndrome.”
How can you reduce the damage to your eyes from screens?
There are a few tips you can try to reduce the impact screen time has on your eyes. They are:
The 20-20-20 Rule:
This is a great rule to follow if you look at computer screens for hours. Every 20 minutes, you should move your eyes to look at something that is at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Also, taking breaks is important for blinking and resting your eyes.
Use a humidifier:
Using a humidifier in the office space or near your computer if the air is dry will help keep moisture in your eyes. This helps prevent and reduce the impact of dry eye.
Use artificial tears:
This is a great solution if you suffer from dry eyes. There are many brands of eye drops available. You can get these over the counter or from a prescription that will moisturize your eyes.
You should talk to your doctor about the brands they recommend. Eye drops are best if your eyes are tired or irritated from looking at the computer for hours.
Blink:
While this seems to be the easiest solution, it is the least obvious. Blinking is something we do naturally, but when we are looking at screens, we don’t blink as much as we should.
It is important to remind yourself to blink and do exercises to help you blink.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to try these tips. Reducing your screen time is beneficial to help your eye health.
Struggling with the effects of computer vision syndrome? Schedule an appointment at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Manhattan, NY now! Your tired, strained eyes will thank you!
