Whether it is a work computer, home laptop or your smartphone, chances are you stare at some type of screen for hours each day. This can lead to vision problems. “Focusing on tiny types for hours on end can cause eyestrain, fatigue and headaches,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology cautions. Staring at a screen for long period can also leave eyes parched, red and gritty-feeling.
The Mayo Clinic states that eyestrain is a common condition that occurs when a person’s eyes get tired from intense use and “people who look at screens two or more hours in a row every day have the greatest risk of this condition.”
The AAO recommends taking the steps below to prevent eyestrain:
- Keep your screen at arm’s length. When working with a desktop computer, keep the screen about 25 inches from your face, or about an arm’s length away. If doing so makes the words on the screen appear too small, adjust the font size.
- Mind the glare. Screen glare from lighting can irritate your eyes. You should try a matte filter for your screen to help diminish glare.
- Give your eyes rest time. The AAO notes that eyestrain occurs after long and continuous screen use and they recommend workers follow the “20-20-20 rule”: Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will allow your eyes to relax.
- Avoid dry eyes. Try using a personal humidifier at your desk to help keep your eyes moisturized. You should also keep eye drops handy to lubricate your eyes if they feel particularly dry.
- Pay attention to lighting. If your screen is too bright, your eyes will have to work harder. Adjust your screen’s brightness, as well as the lighting in your office or home to reduce eyestrain.
If these steps do not help, the AAO recommends seeing an ophthalmologist.
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