Whether we are at work or at home, the amount of time that we spend staring at electronic screens is increasing.
More and more patients are coming in to see us with issues related to computer use. If you are struggling with the demands that electronics put on your vision, you are not alone.
“Computer Vision Syndrome” is a condition that has been seen in both adults and children. If you spend time in front of a computer monitor or video screen – for work or for play – here are some proven ways to help.
See us for a complete exam to see make sure that your eyes are healthy, and that you have an up-to-date prescription. We may recommend a special pair of glasses to use when you are in front of the computer. Tinted lenses and coatings can help reduce screen glare.
- Minimize glare. Pay attention to the lighting in your work area. Setting up a work area where you are comfortable and can see well, will not only reduce eye strain, but will also prevent neck and back fatigue.
- Blink more or use artificial tears. When you are concentrating, you tend to blink less frequently, causing your eyes to become dry and feel irritated. Remember to blink more often, and keep a bottle of artificial tears nearby. A drop of artificial tears lubricates your eyes, which makes them feel more comfortable and helps you to see more clearly
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Adjust your screen settings. Make sure that the lighting on your monitor is set for your best vision. Turning the brightness up or down can make a big difference in how well you see the screen. Changing the text size will make reading more comfortable too!
- Consider a nighttime filter. Blue light from your screen may be making it hard for you to fall asleep, because your eyes associate blue light with daytime. Check your phone’s app store to get a free blue filter for use at night. The blue light filter also helps to reduce eye strain when you are looking at your phone in a darkened room.
- Take a break! When your eyes have had enough, take a break. You might be surprised, but taking a break when your eyes feel fatigued may actually improve overall productivity and reduce errors!
We care about your vision and your changing visual needs. Let us know how you spend your day, so that we can help you feel more comfortable, and help you see more clearly in every situation.
We want to keep your eyes healthy, so you can enjoy your best vision at any age!
