In the modern day and age of computers and technology, we all spend extensive hours in front of screens for work, study, or just enjoying ourselves. Screens have indeed made our lives easier, but there is a negative aspect to it as well. Spending long hours on screens can result in eye strain, irritation, and even long-term harm to your eyes. You can keep your eyes safe with the correct technology and routine and enjoy improved eye health despite extensive hours of screen use.
The Growing Problem of Screen Time and Eye Strain
Numerous individuals these days suffer from so-called digital eye strain (also called computer vision syndrome). This condition affects the eyes when they become fatigued or strained after continued focusing on digital screens. It presents with symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, pain in the neck or shoulder, and eye strain.
This is because of the increased use of computers, smartphones, and tablets in both work and private lives. Research indicates that the average working adult spends over 7 hours on screens every single day. The more time you spend gazing at a screen, the higher your risk of eye strain and other associated problems.
Read Also: How to Improve Eyesight Naturally? Eye Care Tips8 Smart Tools and Habits to Protect Your Eyes During Long Screen Hours
Various eye-friendly technologies exist that can minimize the harmful effects of excessive screen use.
1. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
One of the best-selling technologies to help prevent eye strain is blue light blocking glasses. Blue light is released from digital screens, and studies indicate that extended time spent looking at this kind of light can result in digital eye strain and interfere with sleeping patterns. Blue light blocking glasses work to block this disruptive light and prevent eye strain and better sleeping patterns.
If you use them whenever you are on screen for a long time, you can lower the level of blue light entering your eyes. This actually relieves you of eye strain symptoms and can even enhance the quality of your sleep since it lessens the interference with your natural circadian rhythm.
Read Also: WHAT IS DRY EYE SYNDROME: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, RISK FACTORS, TREATMENT2. Anti-Glare Screen Protectors
Another helpful technology is the anti-glare screen protector. The glare that comes from overhead lights, windows, or reflections on your screen can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. Anti-glare screen protectors are thin, adhesive films that can be applied directly to your device’s screen. These protectors reduce the amount of glare and reflections that reach your eyes, making it easier and more comfortable to focus on your work.
Read Also: Protect Your Eyesight: Key Vitamins And Supplements For Healthy Vision3. Ergonomic Computer Monitors
If you spend all day sitting in front of a computer, one of the best purchases you can make is an ergonomic computer monitor. Traditional flat monitors only strain the neck and eyes by not providing adjustable height, tilt, and swivel features. Ergonomic monitors provide adjustable height, tilt, and swivel features so that you can position the screen at any comfortable angle and height, thus eliminating some of the strain on your neck and eyes.
An ergonomic monitor also provides better viewing angles, ensuring that you’re looking straight at the screen rather than craning your neck to view it. The proper alignment of your monitor with your eye level can help reduce the risk of both neck pain and eye strain.
Read Also: Cataract Surgery Explained: Types, Procedure, And What to Expect4. Computer Glasses for Eye Strain
Besides blue light blocking glasses, one can also find computer glasses specifically made to minimize eye strain when using a computer. These glasses contain a unique lens coating that minimizes glare and offers improved contrast on digital displays. They also enhance visual comfort by changing the manner in which your eyes focus when viewing your monitor for extended periods.
If you sit in front of a computer for most of your day, it will greatly benefit you to invest in a pair of computer glasses that will help minimize eye strain and allow you to work comfortably.
5. Screen Time Eye Protection Tools
If you’re using digital devices for long hours, some software and tools can also help protect your eyes. Screen time eye protection tools include apps and settings that help reduce eye strain by adjusting the screen’s brightness, contrast, and color temperature.
For instance, most devices come equipped with built-in blue light filters that automatically shift the screen to a warmer color in the evening. Such an option is usually known as Night Shift on iPhones or Night Light on Windows computers and lowers the amount of blue light the screen emits in the evening, which is more comfortable for your eyes and allows you to sleep better.
6. Adjustable Monitor Stands
Aside from ergonomic monitors, you can enhance the comfort of your workspace further with adjustable monitor stands. These enable you to adjust the monitor height so that the top of your screen is level with your eyes. There is nothing more important when it comes to avoiding neck strain and keeping your eyes from having to work harder to see.
Placing your monitor at eye level can minimize the necessity of continually looking up or down, and this can be stressful to both your eyes and your neck. There are adjustable monitor stands for desktop monitors and laptops that you can use to establish a more ergonomic and comfortable workspace.
7. Proper Lighting for Your Workspace
Though not an instrument or device, the lighting for your working area is an important factor in minimizing eye strain. Inadequate lighting tends to enhance glare on your monitor and make it more difficult for your eyes to focus, causing fatigue and discomfort. You ideally should have indirect lighting that does not directly strike the screen but lights up enough for comfortable viewing.
If you’re in an office, place your work surface near natural light or have adjustable desk lamps that emit soft, warm light. Steer clear of bright fluorescent lighting that can lead to glare and heightened eye strain.
8. Taking Regular Breaks
Aside from employing eye-friendly technology, taking breaks regularly is also necessary. One easy way to alleviate eye strain is the 20-20-20 rule: look away every 20 minutes at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This habit helps your eyes relax and refocus on objects of varying distances, lessening eye fatigue due to prolonged screen time.
You should also attempt to stand and stretch every hour. This assists your eyes as well as your back and neck, avoiding stiffness and discomfort.
Conclusion
With so many hours spent in front of screens, it’s critical to look after your eyes. And the good news is that there are more than enough eye-friendly technologies on the market designed to minimize eye strain and make your workday less stressful. Blue light blocking glasses and anti-glare screen protectors, ergonomic monitors, and screen time limiting tools are all good solutions that can make a big difference in keeping your eyes safe from the negative impacts of excessive screen use.
Introducing these technologies into your lifestyle, combined with frequent breaks, can prevent eye strain and promote your overall eye wellbeing. Keep in mind that protecting your eyes is an on-going activity, and incorporating these habits will have a substantial impact over the long term.
With the proper equipment and good eye habits, you can work longer screen hours without concern about the impact on your vision. So, invest in your eye health today and begin taking advantage of these eye-friendly technologies to provide a comfortable and productive digital experience.
