These days, a lot of work gets done on a computer including accessing the best online casino, writing news, and gaming. And when people compute too much, they usually have eye problems.
Staring at computer screens, digital devices, and TVs can cause harmful eye strain. It takes a toll on your eyes by causing extra muscles to work and making your eye try and focus for long periods.
Here are ways to avoid eye strain from screen time and protect your eyes:
Sit At a Reasonable Distance from Your Screen
The average adult should sit 20 inches away from the screen, while children should sit 24 inches away to avoid eye damage and other problems associated with CVS.
Take Frequent Breaks
The American Optometric Association recommends taking a five-minute break every hour of screen time. This will provides your eyes some rest and help prevent eye strain. It is recommended that you take a break every 20 minutes when using a computer or any other electronic device.
You can take this break by closing your eyes, looking away from the screen, and relaxing your eyes for a few seconds while massaging them gently with your fingers.
Adjust Your Brightness Settings on Your Devices
Especially on computers with fluorescent lights above them, they’re not too bright or dim. Bright light can cause glare on screens, leading to more eye strain than dimmer light would cause.
Ensure adequate lighting in your room not to cause glare on your screen. Brighter lights make it easier to see what is on screen, even when visuals are less clear or smaller than usual (e.g., when looking at an iPhone).
Reduce brightness levels for better results when there is plenty of light in the room or outdoors so that you do not strain your vision by squinting your eyes together, as this may cause damage over time if done too often.
Adjust the brightness of your computer screen, laptop, or tablet so that it doesn’t hurt your eyes. If necessary, turn off your phone’s backlight or other mobile devices when looking at it in dark environments.
Adjust Color Temperature
Some screens also have color temperature settings that allow you to adjust how warm or cool colors appear on the screen based on personal preference or ambient lighting conditions (e.g., daylight vs. artificial lighting).
Get Regular Eye Checks
If your family has a background of eye problems or has experienced eye problems, it’s important to get regular eye tests every two years. If you wear contact lenses, this should be more frequent.
Relax Your Eyes
Looking at screens for too long can cause headaches and sore eyes. To help alleviate this, try closing your eyes for around 10 seconds every hour or whenever you feel like it. This will helps your eyes relax and give them a break from looking at the screen.
You could also take regular breaks from using digital devices by getting up and moving around for five minutes (or longer if possible).
Turn Off All Unnecessary Lights in Your Work Area
Ambient light from overhead lights can create shadows on your monitor, making it difficult to read text or distinguish between colors.
Turn off unnecessary lights when possible; if this isn’t possible because there are no switches near where you sit, use drapes or blinds to block out ambient light from outside sources as much as possible.
Know When You Need Glasses
Many people think they don’t need glasses until they start having trouble reading their computer screen or seeing properly around their home — but before you get to that point, make sure you know what signs indicate it’s time for specs.
Blink Often
It may sound simple, but blinking helps keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable. When your eyes don’t blink enough, they dry out and become more susceptible to irritation.
To help yourself remember to blink, try closing your eyes for five seconds every 20 minutes. That’s about how long it takes for your eyes to get completely used to being open again after blinking.
Verdict
Ultimately, the amount and frequency of screen time are up to you. The best way to deal with this issue is to take a break now and then, perhaps even schedule regular breaks throughout the day so that you don’t find yourself looking at a screen for hours.
Of course, if your work requires you to stare at a computer monitor for extended periods, it may be best to discuss the matter with your employer regarding your health.