With the development of the digital era, a computer or laptop screen became everyone’s accessory. The percentage of computer usage is high even amongst the elderly for which experts expected certain doubts and feelings of discontent concerning digital means. These conditions made way for the appearance of computer vision syndrome also known as digital eye strain (a health condition consisting of multiple vision issues). Aside from the regular visits at the optometrist, you should also invest some time and energy into ensuring proper eye and health protection.

To help you out, we made a list of ways you can protect yourself while being in direct contact with digital screens.

The Rule of 20’s

The rule of 20s, also called 20-20-20 is a useful and easy to remember tip from optometrists and ophthalmologists. With making it a routine, the rule of 20s ensures that our eyes get the needed relaxation and revitalization. It is a great way to take a break from computer use, especially if you have to work intensively. The rule of 20s requires directing your gaze every 20 minutes on an object at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. The eyes relax with shifting the perception from short to long distance. Apart from practicing this, you should take 15 minute breaks at least every 2 hours. Looking at nature and partaking in frequent blinking also helps for eye relaxation.

Modify Working Environment

Computer usage also has negative impact on our posture. The ideal computer placement for your head and neck requires you to place the center of the screen about 10 to 15 degrees below the eyes. The ideal distance between your eyes and the computer screen is 20 to 24 inches. Do not restrain yourself from buying or adjusting chairs and desks to achieve these ideal measurements as they ensure better health. Also, keep in mind that the computer must never face a reflective area so avoid placing your computer screen across mirrors and glass.

Modify Computer

Another way to modify your working areas is simply by visiting the control panel of your digital device. Here you can adjust brightness, color temperature, text size and contrast to your own preferences. All of these factors have an influence on your vision. If they aren’t properly set up, you can end up with severe headaches or vision issues. You can also modify the computer with upgrading your screen. The higher resolution a screen has, the sharper the shown objects are. This reduces fatigue because your eyes spend less effort and energy in obtaining object visibility and sharpness.

Computer Wear

Previously, we mentioned color temperature which stands for the visible light spectrum emitted by a display. The most damaging side of that spectrum is around the blue light. It has a short wavelength and can damage the eyes. There are lots of ways to protect yourself from it including buying protection glasses. But what if instead of investing in eye wear for you, you buy one for your computer. On the market exist blue light blocking screen protectors which ensure that all damaging UV rays stay away from your gentle eyes.

 

About New Optical Palace

New Optical Palace is your Optician and Optometrist in the Kitchener and Waterloo Area. We offer eye exams for adults and children and a wide selection of prescription glasses for your prescription, contact lenses, and sunglasses.