Digital Eye Strain Is Damaging Your Eyes - 6 Tips To Help You Protect Them!

With so many of us using computers and laptops at work, computer eye strain has become a major complaint. Studies have shown that eye strain and other distressing visual symptoms occur in 50 to 90 percent of individuals working on the computers. The problems can range from physical fatigue to minor annoyance like red eye and eye twitching, thus resulting in decreased productivity and an increment in errors.

And, with an increasingly digitized world, computers can never be replaced. Though they have made your work easier, they do come with certain disadvantages as well.  So, it is important that you take certain precautionary measures to protect your eyes. Here are some of them:

1. Wash your eyes: Wash your eyes on a regular basis as it facilitates cooling and relaxation of the eyes. Make it a routine to wash your eyes at least 5 to 6 times in a day.
2. Get computer glasses: Use computer glasses to protect your eyes as they help in minimizing the effect of the radiation from the screen. If you work for long hours in front of the computer, then you should consider getting a pair of computer glasses.
3. The position of your screen: The screen should ideally be positioned at an arm’s length and the viewing angle of the monitor should be around 35 degrees. Make sure you position your chair accordingly, keeping these tips in mind.
4. Eye exercise: You should perform some eye exercises regularly to reduce the strain and to give relaxation to your eyes. Follow the 20-20 rule wherein after working on your computer for 20 minutes, you redirect your gaze to an object that is around 20 feet away. This helps your eye muscles to relax and thus, improves your eye health.
5. Don’t work at a stretch: Take breaks in between your work sessions to reduce fatigue in your eyes. Constantly staring at a screen for an extended amount of time can cause problems in your eye. Take 2 minutes breaks for every 20 minutes you spend working on your computer. This helps to reduce the strain on your eyes also helps to release tension in the muscles of the neck and back.
6. Blink more than usual: Blinking moistens your eyes and causes tear production which curbs dryness in your eyes. It also prevents eye irritation and helps in clearing out dirt from the eyes.

Apart from following these tips, you should also make sure to go in for a regular eye check-up, so as to avoid any major problems. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!