In our digital age, people are spending a considerable amount of time facing a screen. Whether studying, working, shopping or just wandering through the internet, gazing at a computer or another digital gadget could cause digital eye strain, also known as computer eye strain. The long gazing at screens without blinking, eyes darting over pictures and words, and the flickering and contrast of the computer screen prompts the problem.
In most cases, the problem will manifest as eye tiredness and discomfort, dry eyes, blurred vision, eye twitching, headaches and red eyes. It is imperative then, more than ever, to protect our eyes from the glare of our screens. Prevention of the problem is more sound than waiting too long and end up needing treatment. Below we look at how to protect your eyes when and after using a computer.
Visit an Optician
Visiting your optician is the best way to deal with computer vision syndrome. Bill Opticians in Exeter suggest scheduling an eye exam at least once a year. From talking with an optician you can better understand the health of your eyesight and discuss your habits. Ensure to disclose the duration you sit in front of a screen, the distance between you and the screen and the kind of light setting you use. The information will help the optician give a sound eye exam and advice you accordingly.
Adopt Proper Lighting
The lighting of the room in which you use your device adds a lot to the comfortability of the eyes. In this case, both too much and too little light will affect your eyes. Excessive light will strain the eye and provoke irritations. Block the excessive exterior light using curtains and blinds while at the same time avoiding the use of high voltage overhead fluorescent bulbs. Instead, adopt floor lamps for indirect lighting. Place your computer in a way that the windows are neither behind nor in front of you. Also, remember too little light will cause a glare.
Minimise Glare
Light reflecting off surfaces and your screen could easily lead to computer eye strain. It blocks your eyes from adapting smoothly to the content presented on display. Use an anti-glare screen on your digital device and paint the surrounding surfaces with dull colours. For individuals who use glasses, obtaining anti-reflective coating will help subdue the light bouncing off the lenses of your glasses.
Adjust your Display Settings
The kind of display you are employing affect your eyes. Thus, applying the correct settings could be what protects you from computer eye strain. The first thing you have to put right is your lighting. You should adjust it to the level of the light in your work environment. Also, recall applying a size font, style and colour suitable for the eye, especially when working on huge assignments. Black on a white background is the recommended combination.
Sharpen your Eyes
Our eyes also need training. Sharpen your focus as focus fatigue induces computer eye strain. To evade the situation, you must give your eyes regular breaks from your screen and train them to adjust. Focus on something six metres from you, for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes you look at a computer. The practice helps the focusing muscle to relax thus, avoiding burnout. Another practice you could try is taking a 5-minute break after each hour you spend in front of a computer. Move around and stretch. It will be beneficial to both the whole and the eyes. Also, blink often to moisten your eyes.
Use High-Resolution Screens
If you are using the old computer screens, the CRT, you need to upgrade. Get yourself a high-resolution screen of 75Hz and above as they are soft to the eyes. The old version had low refresh rates and gave notable flickers, which are among the main causes of computer eye strain. If you can not avoid the CRT, ensure to set your display at the most eminent refresh rate provided in the device.
It’s important to look after your eyes. While the above measures help protect your eyes from computer eye strain, you also need a regular eye exam at your local optician. Exercise your eyes and most importantly, adjust your display setting to be comfortable to the eye.
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