If your work requires you to use the computer all day, you may notice some eye issues including:
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Double vision
- Headaches
Those who suffer from the above symptoms may have what is known as computer vision syndrome. Reading a book for a long time can be tough on your eyes, and computers make the problem worse. Your eyes have to deal with flickers, glare, and screen contrast for long periods of time. Another common problem when using computers is that we often forget to blink. People normally blink up to 20 times per minute, but when reading from a computer screen, we often blink up to 10 times per minute. This can dry out the eyes and may just worsen your vision problem.
Starting Healthy Eye Habits
If you’re experiencing eye and vision problems, it’s time to start making some changes like cutting down on your computer use or at least take frequent breaks away from the screen.
Know the Right Distance
If your computer is too close to your eyes it will cause straining. The same happens when the screen is too far from you as well. Keep your computer monitor just below eye level and between 22 to 28 inches away from your face.
Eliminate the Glare
The glare from your computer screen will cause your eyes to work harder. Move your computer out of the light or keep your blinds/curtains closed. Moreover, if you should also make sure your overhead lights are not too bright. Use a glare filter if necessary.
Adjust Your Computer Monitor Settings
If the screen is too bright or too dim then you need to adjust it accordingly. Same can be done for the font size and other related settings.
Take Breaks
Use the 20-20-20 rule: Look away from your computer every 20 minutes, and then look at an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Digital Eye Strain
A Vision Council research showed that 59% of individuals who are always on their computers experience digital eye strain symptoms including:
- Eye fatigue
- Headaches
- Discomfort in the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye twitching
- Redness in the eyes
- Shoulder and neck pain
Other ways you can reduce your risk of eye strain with the following tips:
1. Get an eye exam regularly. Going for a Walmart Eye Exam annually is the most important thing you can do to avoid long-term vision problems. Be sure to inform your eye doctor about your heavy computer use.
2. Eye strain can be caused by excessively bright light (natural or interior lighting). Your ambient lighting should be about half the brightness of lighting in offices. You can reduce outdoor lighting by closing your blinds, shades or drapes.
3. Replace your old monitor with a LED screen monitor that is equipped with an anti-reflective surface. CRT (old models) screens make the flicker of images very noticeable which can be a major cause of strain in your eyes.
4. Consider wearing computer glasses. You can request this from your eye doctor who will prescribe glasses that are customized to those with heavy computer use. Computer glasses are also great if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses.