As the fight against COVID-19 rages on, millions of people have welcomed more screen time as they bid goodbye, for now, to time outdoors. Schools have closed, work-from-home programs have been implemented, and people returning from overseas have been required to self-isolate. But that doesn’t mean you cannot limit your screen time and protect your eyes. Here’s how you can help to keep your eyes healthy.

5 Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Too much exposure to digital devices can cause a wide range of visual problems. Since we blink less when we use our phones or computers, our eyes tend to dry out quickly. Some common symptoms associated with dry eyes are blurry vision and eyestrain, which can lead to headaches and even stress. As you may have observed, the level of discomfort seems to increase with prolonged exposure. To avoid this, you need to incorporate some screen time adjustments.

• Adjust your computer settings. Set the brightness of your screen at a comfortable level. Also, use an anti-glare screen over your computer. This is especially helpful if you are working near your window that is heavily exposed to sunlight. The glare filter will help reduce any unwanted light that can make it hard for you to see and lead to eyestrain.

• Observe proper posture and distancing. Sit correctly when using your computer and keep the screen at arm’s length whenever possible. Your eyes work harder to see up close, so position your screen accordingly so that your gaze goes slightly downward. Although you may not notice any immediate difference, you will appreciate the effects of these human factors as time goes by.

• Keep your eyes moist. When your eyes feel dry, lubricate them by placing a clean washcloth soaked with warm water over your eyes for about five to 10 minutes once during the day. You can also try using artificial tears twice a day. If over-the-counter eye drops don’t seem to help, check with your eye doctor in Wichita Falls, TX.

• Take a break. Monitor your screen time by applying the 20-20-20 rule. Break up extended periods of usage with short breaks, by taking a break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Short breaks will not only help your eyes relax, but it can also help improve your ability to focus.

• Refrain from using devices before bedtime. Studies have shown that blue light can affect a person’s natural sleep cycle. While the blue light stimulates you during the day, if you are overexposed to it, it may be more difficult for you to sleep. Minimize blue light by using your device’s nighttime settings. Also, it’s best to limit screen time at least an hour before bed.

• Wear blue light filtering glasses. You can minimize eyestrain related to device usage by wearing blue light filtering glasses. They are designed to filter out blue light before it reaches your eyes, preventing you from suffering from the negative effects associated with overexposure. Blue light glasses should be worn when you are using any artificial blue light sources, such as your laptop or cell phone.

Have you tried all of the tips above but still can’t get relief? Perhaps it’s time to get an eye exam. Visit Clarke EyeCare Center in Wichita Falls, Texas, to find out if you need a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. Call us now at (940) 905-0700 to schedule your appointment.