5 Hacks To Avoid Straining Your Eyes While Staring At A Screen

Whether you work in front of a screen, you're a gamer, or an avid Netflix watcher, the reality is, many people are spending a long time looking at laptops, television, and phone screens.

The problem with the increased reliance on screens in our daily life is prolonged exposure to blue light. This light that's emitted from your screens has been linked to several problems, including poor sleep patterns, mental health, and eye health.

Digital eye strain is believed to affect about 50% of computer users. With symptoms including dry, irritated eyes and blurred vision. Looking at a screen for a long can also cause headaches, and if you're working on a computer, this can affect productivity. Therefore, it's important that you preemptively take care of your eyes before they become an issue. Here are some precautions you can take to help reduce the chance of you straining your eyes.

Take Breaks

Now and again, take time away from your devices. If you can afford to spend your free time racking up as minimal screen time as possible, that would be ideal.

Also, in between your day, take a few minutes not to be engaged by a screen. Don't wait for the moment you feel an eye strain headache creeping up before you look away from your laptop.

Follow The 20-20-20 Eye Exercise Rule

The 20-20-20 rule dictates that after twenty minutes of staring at your computer, look away from it. Divert your gaze at an object sitting at least twenty feet from you. Gaze at the object for no less than twenty seconds.

You can download the Google Chrome EyeCare Extension to remind you to take work breaks. Turn this into a habit to protect your eyes.

Brighten Your Monitor

When you've been looking at your screen for a while, you might feel your eyes get tired. This might indicate a dark monitor.

Adjust the brightness setting of your screen up a notch. This can help reduce eye fatigue and lessen the chances of a headache.

Add A Filter

Blue light from screens may also damage the retinas in your eyes. This damage can get worse over time, depending on the light.

It's recommended that people use a filter that cuts 94% of blue light. This has been shown to lessen the damage to your eyes.

Consider Your Eye Health

The truth is that eye health can turn costly if neglected. For example, eye diseases reportedly cost the US $139 billion in economic burden.

By taking preemptive steps, you can minimize the risk of damage to your eyes while also ensuring optimal productivity at work.