Reducing Eye Strain: 7 Tips for Digital Wellness

In today’s digital age, many of us spend hours in front of screens, leading to increased eye strain and discomfort. Whether you’re working from home, binge-watching your favorite show, or scrolling through social media, here are effective ways to reduce eyestrain and promote better eye health.

computer-work

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist

1. Adjust Your Workspace

Ensure your workstation is ergonomically friendly:

  • Monitor Position: Position your monitor about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level to reduce strain.
  • Lighting: Avoid glare by positioning your monitor away from windows or using blinds to control natural light.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Give your eyes a break:

  • Every 20 Minutes: Look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce fatigue caused by staring at screens.
  • Blink Often: Blinking helps moisten your eyes and prevent dryness.

3. Use Proper Lighting

Adjust lighting for comfort:

  • Avoid Harsh Lighting: Reduce overhead lighting that can cause glare on your screen.
  • Use Task Lighting: Opt for soft, indirect lighting to illuminate your workspace.

4. Use Blue Light Filters

Protect your eyes from digital eye strain:

  • Blue Light Filter: Use screen filters or glasses with blue light blocking technology to reduce exposure.
  • Night Mode: Enable night mode on devices to reduce blue light emission during evening hours.

computer-use-1

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

5. Adjust Display Settings

Optimize your screen settings:

  • Brightness and Contrast: Adjust brightness and contrast settings to levels comfortable for your eyes.
  • Text Size and Color: Increase text size and choose high-contrast colors for easier reading.

6. Take Regular Breaks

Give your eyes a rest:

  • Scheduled Breaks: Take short breaks every hour to stretch and rest your eyes.
  • Eye Exercises: Practice simple eye exercises like focusing on near and far objects to reduce strain.

7. Maintain Good Eye Health Habits

Support overall eye health:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated.
  • Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular eye exams to detect any vision changes early.

19_Q4_2022_662924_Evergreen_038_V2-5361x3574-94eda89-4

Shop These Frames

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce eyestrain and blue light exposure. Remember, taking proactive steps to care for your eyes is essential in our screen-centric world. Prioritize your eye health today for clearer vision tomorrow!

Avatar of Ivan Yong

Ivan Yong

Dr. Ivan Yong is an optometrist with over a decade of experience in the optical industry. He earned his doctorate from the Southern California College of Optometry and has practiced in multiple settings, including private practice, community health, and ophthalmology. Dr. Yong aims to expand access to affordable eyewear and improve eye health worldwide.