Your eyes can become strained if you spend a lot of time focusing on a task, such as working on a laptop or reading. Eye strain can make your eyes dry or watery, cause blurred vision and headaches and make you feel tired.
If you’re like most people, you probably spend several hours per day looking at a computer and/or cellphone. All that screen time can take a toll on your eyes. Making some simple changes can help.
Keep Your Eyes Moisturized
Blinking helps your eyes get the moisture they need. People tend to blink less when looking at screens. While you’re working on your computer or scrolling through social media on your phone, make a conscious effort to blink frequently.
You can also use eye drops or a humidifier to keep your eyes moisturized. If you wear contact lenses and your eyes frequently dry out when you’re using an electronic device, try wearing glasses instead.
Position Yourself and Your Computer Correctly
When you’re working, sit about arm’s length away from your computer screen. If necessary, adjust the position of the monitor or your chair so that you look slightly downward at the screen. Place your desk away from a heater, air conditioner, or fan so your eyes don’t dry out.
Adjust Your Settings
If you find it difficult to clearly see what’s on the screen, you might have to switch the settings on your device. Try reducing the level of brightness or increasing the level of contrast.
Prevent Glare
When sunlight streams in through a window, it can create so much glare that it’s difficult to look at a screen. Closing the blinds or curtains at certain times of the day might help. If glare from a light fixture in the room is causing a problem, try adjusting the position of your screen or using a matte screen filter to block glare.
Take Breaks
Even if you’re busy with an important task, you should let your eyes rest periodically. Every 20 minutes, take a short, 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. If you tend to lose track of time when you’re at work, you can set an alarm to remind you to look away from the screen. If you can’t get away from your device for 20 seconds, at least close your eyes for a few seconds.
Visit Your Eye Doctor
Schedule regular eye exams and discuss your screen usage with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you wear glasses or contacts and you experience frequent eye strain, the doctor might adjust your prescription or recommend that you wear prescription eyeglasses that can help you focus on a screen without straining your eyes.
