Almost everyone uses computers or digital devices for something today. We are constantly exposed to digital screens at work or in our personal lives, which can lead to eye strain over time. Not many people are familiar with the issues of digital eye strain, even though they could be suffering from it daily.

The Digital Eye Strain report shows that digital eye strain has recently been an emerging healthcare problem. Symptoms of digital eye strain typically include dry or irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and headaches.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

Digital eye strain can encompass a lot of different symptoms, but ultimately, it is the discomfort you start to feel after using digital devices for extended periods. Some simple things can be done to help protect your eyes from digital eye strain due to daily exposure to digital devices, such as:

Use proper lighting

One of the biggest causes of digital eye strain is poor lighting and glare on computer screens. If the overhead lights are too bright, you should position your computer screen so that it doesn’t reflect the lights and create glare. Depending on the time of day, the light coming in through the windows can also be difficult, so you might want to consider closing the blinds or purchasing anti-glare filters, if necessary.

Don’t forget to blink

This may seem like a no brainer, but studies have shown that when we use computers, we tend to blink a lot less, which causes your eyes to become dry and irritated. Blinking helps to keep your eyes lubricated and also helps to spread the necessary nutrients across the eye.

Utilize the 20-20-20 rule

It’s easy to lose track of when people using digital devices, but it is important to remember to take short breaks intermittently throughout digital device usage. The 20-20-20 rule suggests that for every 20 minutes you use a digital device, you should spend 20 seconds looking at something that is at least 20 feet away. This purpose of doing this is to refresh your eyes and give them a chance to readjust.

Taking these necessary steps to help avoid digital eye strain is not only great for you, but also your productivity in the workplace, so why not give it a try? If your eyes continue to be strained, then it is recommended that you see an eye doctor for a routine eye exam.