Eye strain is perhaps the biggest side effect of computer use. Headaches and sore eyes often accompany this eye strain. This is what you can do to minimize eye strain when using computers. Most of it is common sense, but a reminder always helps, so read on.
20-20-20 Rule
Look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes. Close your eyes for 20 seconds, and then ope them to look at something far away. At least 20 feet away. This is the 20-20-20 rule, and will actually redefine your relationship with computer screens, if you adhere to it religiously.
Optimize your monitors.
Reduce the brightness on your screen devices. Also, adjust colors to decrease the blue light, which is linked to more eyestrain.
Colour of screen
There are apps which make the colour of your computer’s display adapt to the time of day. These help minimize the sleep wake disturbances that result from the blue light emissions from your devices.
The F.lux app makes your monitor change over the day: warm at night and like sunlight during the day. This works for Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone
Another similar option is the Twilight for android users.
Apps to prompt breaks
ProtectYourVision (Chrome, Firefox, Safari app), Awareness (Mac, Windows) and eyeCare (Chrome app)are programmed to set off an alarm for each twenty minutes of computer use. You can actually set the time limit for the duration of uninterrupted work yourself too. You can also decide on the duration of the enforced breaks.
Time Out (Mac) has a set break plan of 10 minute breaks, after 50 minutes of working. It also has built in “micro” breaks of 10 seconds every 10 minutes.
Blink more often
When we focus, especially on bright screens, the rate of blinking decreases. This means that the eyes do not receive adequate lubrication, leading to dry eyes. This results in tired, gritty and sore eyes.
Eye Pro for Windows sends out periodic reminders to blink, in addition to minimizing eye strain.
Position your screen right
Make sure the computer screen is an arm’s length away. In addition to this, the center of the screen should be about 10–15 degrees below eye level.
Avoid reading off your phone
An e-reader like the Kindle is more like paper than the conventional screen devices. This decreases eye strain and fatigue.
Wear your glasses
Make sure you wear the appropriate spectacles when using your computer screens. Make sure your prescription is up to date. For this, an annual eye check up is essential.
Visit your doctor
If your symptoms persist, or worsen, please do visit your eye doctor. She will discuss the ergonomics of vision, and may also suggest preservative free lubricating eye drops. In addition, she will help you take care of any additional problems.
