Almost all desk jobs require a lot of time spent on the computer. Most people average over 9 hours of screen time on their eyes each day. Over time this can be very straining to your eyes. While you won’t go blind from looking at your screen too long, it is important to understand the effects it has on our daily lives and on our eyes. Not only does staring at your computer too long cause eyestrain. It can also lead to blurry vision, trouble focusing, headaches, and upper-body pain. Read the tips from your Westfield Eye Doctors to find out how you can give your eyes a break.

At Work:

• Keep your computer an arms-length away from your face at all-times.
• Sit facing your screen directly with your head upright and aligned with the rest of your body.
• Good posture is important to strive for on a daily basis.
• Position the computer where you can comfortably view your entire screen without moving your head. The computer should also be positioned so the top of the screen is at your eye level to reduce strain on your neck.
• Take breaks. Go on a walk, take a lap around the office. This might even improve your productivity.
• Change your office lights.
• Keep blinking, to keep your eyes from getting dry.
• Follow the 20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes at work look up and away from your screen for 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

On your computer:

Your computer settings might be causing eye strain as well.
• The brightness of your computer screen should be adjusted so it is not brighter than your surroundings.
• If you feel a strain on your eyes while reading on your computer your text size might be too small.
• Text colors also matter. Try to stick with black font on a white background.
• The blue-light being emitted from your screen can also cause eyestrain. Check your settings to see your color temperature.
• Ask your Westfield Eye Doctors about computer eyewear that can be customized to your original eye prescription. They will help your eyes stay moisturized and comfortable while you are at work.

At Home:

• Glare and reflections on your computer screen can cause major strain to your eyes. You can fix this by getting an anti-glare screen.
• Painting walls around you a darker color to reduce glare.
• Cover near-by windows to reduce glare.
• Don’t take your computer to bed with you. Not only is this bad for your eyes, but it can affect your sleep as well.
• Your diet can affect your eyes. Increasing your water and Omega fatty acid intakes can help moisturize your eyes. Your Westfield Eye Doctors recommend people drink 9-12 glasses of water a day.

Visit your Westfield Eye Doctors if your eye strain becomes worse

The amount of time people spend on their screens has increased over the years and continues to increase as the years go on. This is making eye problems become worse. By adapting to some of these solutions your eyes will begin to feel less fatigued and strenuous healthy! If you think your eyes have suffered or feel strained contact your Westfield Eye Doctors Dr. Amy Walden & Associates to schedule an eye exam today! Don’t take your eyes for granted after-all we only get two!