How to Relieve Eye Strain
Patient’s frequently complain of eye strain, for which there are various causes. This symptom usually is described as an uncomfortable feeling in the eyes that can be accompanied by headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck pain. Here, I’ll provide tips and guidelines to help you reduce eye strain.
Tips for Relieving Eye Strain
Get the right eyewear
It is possible you either need a prescription (glasses or contacts) or need to update your current prescription.
Use artificial tears
Dry eye is a common problem that can cause the feeling of eye strain. Regular eye exams and use of artificial tears can help relieve symptoms of dry eye.
Adjust your screen
Make sure your computer screen is positioned correctly, so you’re not straining your neck or your eyes. Your screen should be positioned at a distance of about an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or below eye level. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and text size on your screen to make it easier to read. Anti-glare screens can reduce reflections and glare on your screen, making it easier to read and reducing eye strain.
Keep screens clean
Dust and smudges on screens can cause glare and reflections, making it harder to read and increasing eye strain. Regularly clean your screens to reduce these issues.
Use proper lighting
Ensure that the lighting in your workspace is appropriate for your needs. Overhead lighting should not create glare or reflections on your screen, and it should not be too bright or too dim. If necessary, use a task light or adjust the brightness and contrast on your screen.
Take breaks
It’s important to take regular breaks from your screen to reduce eye strain. This can be as simple as looking away from the screen and focusing on something else for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can try the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away.
Prevent Eye Fatigue with Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams can help detect any underlying vision problems that may be contributing to eye strain. Your ophthalmologist can also provide you with personalized recommendations to help reduce eye strain and improve your vision.
Schedule an eye exam today with Colorado Eye Surgeons.
