Your eyes can get weary from being exposed to computer monitors or digital screens for many hours. According to surveys, adults spend an average of nine hours daily looking at screens.
Extended exposure can lead to headaches, blurry vision, or dry eyes. In this post, your local optometrist, Eyes on Norbeck, discusses the effects of digital screens to your eyes.
What Screens Do to Your Eyes
When you use the computer, you have the tendency to blink less and that causes eye strain and dry eyes. Reading printed materials can also tire your eyes and cause discomfort, but the effects of screens are worse. This is due to the contrast level of the letters to the background, glare and reflection.
Fortunately, the damage that results from digital screens isn’t permanent and can be managed by changes in your working station.
If you’re experiencing discomfort while working in front of a screen, visit your eye doctor for a computer vision exam.
Rest Your Eyes
Giving your eyes a break from the screen is important in maintaining comfort in the workplace. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away from your monitor for 20 seconds. If your eyes feel dry, you can use artificial tears.
Your monitor shouldn’t be too bright or dark. Adjust it to a comfortable level in the settings of your computer/monitor. Proper lighting and anti-glare screen protectors can cut down on uncomfortable glare from your screen.
Don’t sit too close to your computer. Ideally, your monitor should be below eye level, 20 to 28 inches from you. If the text becomes unreadable at a distance, you can try increasing the print size to prevent squinting your eyes.
It’s also important that you have the right prescription eyeglasses as untreated vision problems are linked to digital eye strain. Visit Eyes on Norbeck, your local optometrist for your eye care needs. Call us at (301) 241-0553 or make an appointment online. We assist patients in Rockville, MD.
