Eye Care Tips for Computer Users

Do you spend hours each day on your computer? If so, you may experience some eye discomfort or irritability. You may end up with dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches, or eyestrain. These are signs of computer vision syndrome (CVS), a common problem that affects computer users.

CVS happens when you stare at your screen for too long without blinking or moving your eyes. Your eyes may experience dryness, fatigue, and strain because of this. It can also affect your work performance, comfort, and eye health. But do not worry; you can prevent or reduce CVS by following these simple eye care tips. 

Tip 1: Blink More Often

Blinking is vital for your eyes. It keeps your eyes hydrated and comfortable. It also removes any particles or dirt that can bother your eyes.

When you use your computer, you tend to blink less often. This can make your eyes dry and uncomfortable. To avoid this, you must blink more often when you use your computer. If your eyes feel dry, you can moisten them with eye drops or artificial tears.

Tip 2: Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

This rule suggests gazing at something about 20 feet away or farther for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This eases your eye muscles and reduces eyestrain. You can move your neck, shoulders, and back during this time to soothe any stiffness or pain from sitting at your computer for too long.

Tip 3: Adjust Your Screen Settings

The glare and brightness of your screen can cause eyestrain. To avoid this, adjust your screen settings to suit your eyes and the lighting in your room. Here are some suggestions:

• Lower the brightness and contrast of your screen to a comfortable level

• To make the writing easier to read, enlarge the font and zoom in

• Use dark mode or night mode if available to reduce blue light exposure

• Set your screen's color temperature to a warmer hue

• Use a matte screen filter or an anti-glare coating to minimize reflections

Tip 4: Choose the Right Glasses

Ensure your eyewear is appropriate for computer use if you wear glasses or contacts. Sometimes, your corrective eyewear may not be enough to correct your vision for the distance of your screen. You may squint or strain your eyes because of this.

To avoid this, getting an eye exam regularly and the right prescription for glasses or contact lenses is best. Consider getting computer glasses to help you see better at the intermediate distance of your screen. 

Tip 5: Take Frequent Breaks

The last tip is to take frequent breaks from your computer. Long periods of screen time can lead to eyestrain, headaches, neck discomfort, back pain, and weariness. Here are some ideas:

• Stretch your muscles and joints

• Walk around or do some light exercise

• Drink some water or have a snack

• Rest your eyes and mind

Taking frequent breaks can help you improve your blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and refresh your mind and eyes.

Conclusion

Using a computer can be fun and productive but can also hurt your eyes and cause CVS. By using these suggestions, you can avoid this. You can protect your vision and eyes and have a trouble-free computing experience by carrying out these actions.

For more eye care tips, visit Northside Vision at our Spokane, Washington office. Call (509) 326-2772 to schedule an appointment today.