In this modern working world, where we work for 12 hours in front of a computer screen and almost 5 hours a day just looking at our phone screens.
In this case, our eyes may feel tired and irritated, which is called eyestrain.
Eye strain is becoming a very common condition in this digital age. This is usually caused by using computers, tablets, smartphones, and laptops, also known as computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain.
General Reasons for Eyestrain
Eye strain can be caused by focusing on one particular task for an extended period of time. Symptoms of eyestrain are:
- Headaches
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or back
- Irritated eyes that may feel dry and get red
- Blurry vision
One of the biggest reasons for eyestrain is the excessive use of digital screens. Looking at something for a long period, like a digital screen, you have to understand that your eyes are working hard because it is not the same thing as reading something printed.
1. Common causes of eye strain
- Focusing on something for a long time, like reading and driving
- Being in an inadequate lit environment
- Feeling stressed
- Facing the problem of poor vision and eye problems like dry eyes
2. Some specific reasons for digital eye strain
Maintaining bad posture when viewing a digital device
Facing problems with blinking eyes as often as normal
Viewing a screen that is not properly adjusted lighting.
8 Tips To Prevent Your Eyes From Digital Eyestrain
Below, we have mentioned eight practical ways to protect your eyes from digital eyestrain, even if you need to look at the screens for many hours a day for your work.
1. Follow the 20/20/20 rule
Generally, eyestrain occurs when you focus on a single activity for a long time without a break. Then, you have to shift your focus to another thing after every 20 minutes. In the 20/20/20 rule, you have to put the focused thing 20 feet away from yourself and look at it for at least 20 seconds.
2. Position your screen
Ensure that you look at the screen at the correct distance and in the proper position. The screen should be about at arm’s length. You should view the screen at the level of your eyes or below them.
3. Sit in a properly lit environment
Low lighting and too bright environment can both cause eyestrain, depending on your activity. Light should come from behind when you are extremely focused or reading something.
Make sure that the screens you are viewing are properly lit as well. Adjust brightness and try to shade windows or use filters to reduce glare on your digital device.
4. Multitask correctly
It is very common to need to use printed matter or other materials when working on a digital screen. For instance, you may need to type a form or note. If you have to work on documents while using a computer, you should adjust them and put them in that position to avoid having to move your eyes, neck, and head too frequently. A document stand can be a very helpful tool for you to place materials between your keyboard and your monitor, which results in less eyestrain.
5. Use eye drops
Extreme focus on something, especially viewing a screen, can result in a dramatic reduction in how many times you blink per minute. When you blink your eyes lesser than usual, your eyes can get dry and irritated. You can solve this problem by using an eye drop like artificial tears with the prescription of your retina surgeon. By blinking more often when you are using a screen, it will help you to prevent the symptoms from occurring.
6. Air quality
You may also find that the place where you are spending a lot of time has poor air quality. Dry environments and places with heating and cooling units can also cause eyestrain. You may have to:
- Improve the air quality
- Turn down the cooling and heating system
- Relocate to a good air-quality spot
7. Proper eyewear
Work with your eye doctor in Kanpur to determine if you need some kind of special eyewear to reduce eyestrain. You may need specialized lenses, devices, or therapy for the activity that causes strain. Some coating and tints for lenses can also help your eyes.
8. Reduce the time spent on digital devices
A simple way to prevent eyestrain is to limit the time you are focusing on digital devices or activities that require intense focus.
How can we cure eyestrain?
In most cases, changes like the ones we mentioned above are all you need to treat eyestrain. If you are facing an eyestrain that is severe or lasts a long time, then it’s time to consult the best eye doctor in Kanpur. An eye specialist in Kanpur may recommend corrective lenses to you, or it could be a symptom of a more serious problem.
Who is at risk for eyestrain?
When you spend a lot of time on a focused activity puts you at risk for eyestrain. You may also increase the chance of eyestrain if you work on a computer as a part of your job. Children who spend more time on digital devices can also face the problem of eyestrain or other conditions like irritability or behavior problems.
Problems from eyestrain
When you engage with digital devices for too long, then you expose yourself to blue lights, which is very harmful to your eyes. Blue lights can cause the following problems:
- Problem with your retina
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Sleep disturbances
Special lenses can also be used to reduce the exposure to blue lights.
Outlook
Maintaining the health of your eye can reduce the chances of more serious vision problems in the future. You should consult the best eye doctor in Kanpur annually to have your eyes checked, especially if you are facing long-lasting eyestrain. If you find the symptoms of eyestrain, then implement some methods to reduce eyestrain, or if you find these approaches are not working, then consult the best eye doctor in Kanpur.