Eye strain is very common these days, especially with the pervasive use of computers, phones and other electronic devices that cause our eyes to be tired, dry and extra sensitive to light. In order to determine the causes of eye strain, your doctor will likely ask you questions about factors that may be contributing to the strain.
Treating Eye Strain
Your doctor will probably recommend making small but important lifestyle changes to help relieve your eyes from excessive strain.
Protective eyewear
Wearing proper eyewear in front of the screen and out in the sun is one of the easiest ways to avoid eye strain.
If you spend most of your working day in front of the screen and wear contact lenses, you may want to seriously consider getting glasses with a blue blocker coating and anti-glare so that your eyes are more rested and comfortable.
A great option is putting a blue blocking filter directly on you computer screen, cell phone, or ipad.*
Living adjustments
> The lighting in your workspace should have soft/warm undertones: avoid harsh, glaring fluorescent lighting, which will cause overstimulation in your eyes and they’ll need to work harder than they should to read and process objects in the environment.
> Air quality is a strong consideration is avoiding eye strain: don’t hesitate to use a humidifier in the winter months, because indoor heating can cause excessive dryness in the air. Air conditioners during the summer are also a culprit in creating an overly dry environment - so take precautions!
Work space adjustments
> Adjust your computer monitor: use an anti-reflective screen to reduce computer screen glare, which can cause unnecessary strain on the eyes.
Pay attention to your monitor’s brightness, contrast and colour temperature. The screen’s brightness should be adjusted so your eyes are comfortable and at ease. The computer’s colour temperature should match that of your room’s lighting so that the contrast isn’t too stark, putting more strain on the eyes. Also, make sure that the computer screen is kept at a healthy distance - roughly an arm’s length away from you.
> Take frequent breaks: doctors recommend the 20-20-20 rule, taking a screen break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Frequent screen breaks are an effective way of reducing eye strain.
> Blink: Don’t forget to blink often! Blinking secretes oils that keep your eyes hydrated, but when we’re in front of the screen we tend to blink a lot less frequently, causing dryness.
> Reading tools: if you’re spending hours on research and study, be sure to have proper lighting so that you can read easily. Also, consider a document holder to reduce how much your eyes need to readjust to what you’re reading and to reduce potential neck strain.
By following these simple steps, you will give your eyes the rest they deserve!
Be well,
The Eye Drop Shop Team
XO
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Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403
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