As we all adjust to our new reality, another thing we must come to terms with is our increased screen time exposure. Some common symptoms you may suffer from include eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and blurry vision.
Dr. Viswanathan offers some tips to reduce digital eye strain:
- EXERCISE YOUR EYE MUSCLES: Take frequent breaks from your digital screen. I recommend this general rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. This change of focus will help relax the muscles of the eye and exercise them, keeping them strong as you work and study from home. This will help reduce eye fatigue.
- CUT OUT THE GLARE: Always wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors. They can act as a protective barrier from airborne allergens
Tip: Try to reduce excessive outdoor light shining directly at your screen by closing your drapes, shutters or blinds. You can also position your screen so that it does not face the window directly (in front or behind it). - BLINK: When we use a screen (tablet, phone, TV, computer), we naturally do not blink as frequently as we should. Blinking functions to keep our eyes moist to prevent dry eyes and irritation. Now combine that with dry air circulating in our homes, it’s a recipe for disaster. Do your eyes feel sandy or gritty or at the end of the day feel like there’s something inside them? You may be experiencing dry eyes from increased screen exposure. Our optometrists can recommend specific remedies to relieve your dry eyes. Book a consultation so that you can have a comprehensive dry eye workup.
- TRY BLUE: Blue light is emitted from the sun, but we can also be exposed to it in excessive amounts from our daily use of digital screens. After prolonged periods of screen time, you may experience eye fatigue and eye strain. Speak to our doctors about how a blue light filter on glasses can help you.
- TIME FOR A CHANGE?: Do you find your vision is blurry while using the computer or after prolonged periods of screen time? Are you getting headaches at the end of the day? Your prescription may have changed, or you may benefit from customized computer glasses.
Book an appointment today with our licensed Stoney creek optometrists, so that you can comfortably work and study from home. Call our office at 289 309-1090 today to book your eye exam!
