Now that it seems like everything is online, from school to work to cocktail parties, it’s hard for our eyes to keep up. With an increase in time on our computers and phones, our eyes are straining to adjust, causing serious eye strain. Eye strain can result in even more problems, such as blurry vision, headaches and even difficulty concentrating. To reduce the impact of our screen time on our oh-so-sensitive eyes, here are seven easy ways to reduce eye strain.
But First, What is Eye Strain?
Eye strain is just like pulling a muscle but in your eye. It is not caused by any sort of disease or underlying issue, rather a result of prolonged intense use of your eyes. “Intense use” of your eyes may sound like something extreme, but truly it can be caused by many things, ranging from increased screen time to even a lack of sleep. With recent changes, we are all spending more and more time on our computers, phones, and TVs. The harsh blue lights emitted from these devices and our concentration on such small screens can result in eye strain and other problems.
- The 20 20 20 Rule
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The 20 20 20 rule is a simple hack thought up by doctors. According to doctors, for every 20 minutes you spend looking at your screen, take a break. Take a 20-second break and stare at something far in the distance (preferably about 20 feet away). This will help you just take a break from everything and allow your eyes to adjust from staring at something for so long.
- Light Consistency
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It is important in any space to keep your surrounding lighting and screen lighting consistent. Lucky for us, most phones and computers adjust automatically to the lighting around them. But, it is important to not keep that brightness all the way up when you are watching TV in a pitch-black room.
- Don’t Live on Your Phone
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I think this is something we can all practice a little bit, for a number of reasons. But staring at our phones for such long periods is especially damaging to your eyes. With such a small screen and harsh lights, it is easy for eye strain to occur. With this in mind, try to limit your screen time on your phone and to take breaks.
- Exercises for your Eyes
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I know this sounds funny, but just like our muscles, eyes need exercise too. The eye has six different muscles in it and eye strain is simply just a form of muscle strain. To prevent eye strain, go on YouTube and practice simple techniques to relax and strengthen your eyes. This will help prevent and reduce eye strain.
- Technology Filters
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With everyone becoming more and more aware of the harsh impact of the blue lights emitted from our screens, our phones and computers now come with nifty hacks to reduce eye strain. For example, on your iPhone and MacBook, you can put your devices on night mode – setting a time when your devices will switch to yellow light to protect your eyes.
- Blue Light Glasses
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A cute and fashionable way to get a jump on the harshness of blue light is investing in some blue light glasses. Now companies ranging from Warby Parker to Urban Outfitters make comfy, stylish and even cheap glasses that will help reduce blue light from reaching your eyes.
- Take a Break!
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Remember to take a break from your screens. Go outside or simply do something other than staring at a computer or TV or phone. I can promise that this will not just help out your eyes, but every part of you as well!