Video: Effective Tips on Preventing Digital Eye Strain

Smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices are a core part of our lives in today’s digital age. Unfortunately, heavy use of these gadgets can cause computer vision syndrome. Also called digital eye strain, this condition causes eye heaviness or soreness and tends to manifest after extensive use of digital devices.

Your eye doctor from Vienna Eyecare Center shares some effective steps you can take to prevent this problem.

Maintain Proper Posture

Faulty body mechanics have negative effects on your eyesight. Slouching while watching your favorite TV shows may put undue pressure and stress on your ocular muscles, leading to computer vision syndrome. This is why it’s essential to maintain proper posture all the time. Investing in an ergonomic chair with cushioned seats and back support is a good idea too.

Personalize Your Computer Screen

Another simple yet effective way to keep digital eye strain at bay is to make necessary adjustments to your computer screen. Lowering the brightness helps reduce the intensity of the emitted blue radiation. Using a larger font also helps your eyes.

Your optometrist suggests maintaining adequate lighting in your workplace. Highly bright lights may overwhelm your eyes, while dimmed lights may force your eyes to work harder. We recommend using drapes or blinds to control the amount of outdoor light entry. Better yet, use a floor lamp as an indirect source of light that’s easy on the eyes.

Practice the 20-20-20 Rule

Staring at your computer screens reduces your blinking rate, increasing your risk of digital eye fatigue. Practicing the 20-20-20 rule can help. After 20 minutes on your device, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Doing this helps rest and relax your eyes.

Use Computer Eyewear

Wearing computer eyeglasses is also a reliable way to prevent computer vision syndrome. They are specifically engineered to block blue rays from entering your eyes, reducing the risk of computer vision syndrome.

For more tips on preventing digital eye strain, call us at (703) 938-7633 or complete our form. We serve Vienna, Reston and McLean.