Four Tips for Relief From Eye Strain

In today's world, it's virtually impossible to get through life without interacting with a computer, phone, or television screen. However, too much screen time can lead to strain and fatigue on the eye muscles, according to CBS, which also reports that 61 percent of Americans look at screens for five or more hours a day. In a world where screen time is a necessary evil, these tips can help to reduce eye strain.

Use the 20-20-20 Rule 

It's helpful to take extended breaks from screens, but for those whose daily work involves computers, that isn't easy. Instead, use the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of prolonged screen time, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can give the eyes rest without affecting productivity.

Blink Early and Often

According to Dr. Christopher Starr, an associate professor of ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College who spoke with CBS, blinking can greatly reduce eye strain. This is particularly important to keep in mind when watching television, reading, or performing any other task that involves staring at a screen for a prolonged period of time. Dr. Starr notes that keeping the eyes open causes tears to evaporate quickly, leading to redness and pain that can worsen as the day goes on. Therefore, it's important to stay mindful and keep blinking when using a screen, especially for those wearing contact lenses that may exacerbate eye dryness.

Schedule an Annual Eye Exam

According to Time Magazine, about 71 percent of people who experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome, or CVS, wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. To reduce eye strain, it's vital to ensure one's prescription is accurate. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends that computer users should have an annual eye exam. Patients should take this time to discuss their screen use with an optometrist.

Stay on Top of Vitamins

Regardless of overall screen time, getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals can affect eye health and performance. Vitamins A, C, E, B, and the mineral Zinc have been found to play crucial roles in eye health. These can be easily found in multivitamins or by eating a diet rich in vegetables and lean proteins.

If this is still a concern, the doctors at Excellent Vision have years of experience treating eye strain and other ocular issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!