Computers, television, phones, and video games help pass time, but all that screen time is hurting your eye health. You tend to blink less when looking at a digital screen, and the screen’s movement makes your eyes work harder to concentrate.
That can make your eyes dry, irritated, and tired from excessive use, leading to computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is sometimes called computer eye syndrome or digital eyestrain. It occurs when too much screen time results in eye irritation or strain, dry eyes, headaches, double vision, trouble concentrating, or blurry vision.
If unaddressed, the symptoms will continue and possibly worsen with the constant use of digital screens. In that case, you should make efforts to minimize digital eyestrain as much as you can. But how do you get rid of computer eye syndrome?
Get an Eye Exam
Are you experiencing CVS symptoms? If yes, your best defense is to see your eye doctor at Advanced Eyecare Center PC for a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose CVS and rule out other eye diseases. CVS can worsen eyestrain and cause neck and back pain if not diagnosed and corrected. An eye checkup by your eye doctor can help determine if you need eyeglasses to reduce digital eyestrain.
Change Your Viewing Position
Your viewing angle determines whether you will get CVS. You will feel much more comfortable if you tilt your head a bit down while gazing at your computer screen. Place your screen’s center 20 to 28 inches from your face and four to five inches below your eyes.
Avoid situations where you are turning your head, too. If you are moving from side to side between reference tools and your screen, put the materials where you can view them with little head movement.
A good guideline for watching television is to place it right in front of you at 15 degrees downward or upward angle, or 30 to 40 degrees from right to left. Avoid straining your neck and eye muscle by forcing your eyes to gaze up or down unfavorable viewing angles.
Cut the Glare
Get your screen a glare filter or adjust its lighting to reduce glare. Also, close your windows’ blinds and use low-light bulbs to cut the glare from open windows or overhead lamp lights.
Blink Regularly
Studies show that the average person blinks 18 times per minute during regular activities. However, digital screen users blink only about 25 percent as frequently, increasing the risk for dry eye disease. Remember to blink regularly and moisten your eyes with suitable lubricating eye drops to minimize this risk.
Reduce Screen Time
How often do you get away from your digital screen? Looking at your digital screen before you sleep is not ideal for your eye health. It can hinder your sleep by keeping your mind awake longer than it should, making it hard to sleep well. Try putting away your laptop or phone 30 minutes or one hour before bed.
Take Frequent Eye Breaks
Practice the 20-20-20 rule to minimize eyestrain. Look away from your digital screen every 20 minutes, at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, to allow your eyes to refocus.
For more on treating computer vision syndrome, visit Advanced Eyecare Center PC at our Urbandale, Iowa office. Call 515-303-4488 to schedule an appointment today.