Every year, the average office worker spends 1,700 hours in front of their computer screen.
The average amount of time spent we spend in front of a screen is damaging to our eyes. So how do you protect your eyes when you have no choice but to work in front of a computer on a daily basis?
If you’re one of the many who spends too much time in front of a screen, you should know some of the small ways you can improve the experience for your eyes. Ranging from adjusting the light to taking a break, these tips will have a positive impact on your health.
Keep reading to learn more about what screens do to your eyes and how to minimize your risks.
How to Best Protect Your Eyes Tips For Working At a Screen
What Do Screens Do to Your Eyes?
When you’re in front of digital displays like computers and phones, your normal blink rate is reduced by a third to a half. When you don’t blink as often as you should, it leads to dryness in the eyes.
We also tend to use these devices in ways that are unfriendly to our bodies. We use them at angles that aren’t friendly to our eye line. The rapid movement on screens when you’re using just about any app also makes it difficult for our eyes to focus.
All of the above is believed to be related to an increase in poor optical health. More people are complaining of eye strain and soreness, dryness, insomnia, and headaches.
How to Best Protect Your Eyes
There are many things you can do to help protect your eyes. Follow these simple tips for protection from the conditions related to too much screen time.
1. Take a Break
When using a screen for long periods of time, you should give your eyes a break. This allows them to refocus and rest.
The general rule of thumb is the 20-20-20 rule. Recommended by the American Ophthalmological Society, this consists of taking a break from the screen every 20 minutes. During the break, you focus on something that’s at least 20 feet away and for at least 20 seconds.
2. Adjust the Light
Your computer screen should never be brighter than the light in the room. If that happens, your eyes strain to see.
All you have to do to correct this is to adjust the brightness level of the screen. You can also consider closing curtains, shades, or blinds to reduce the light surrounding the screen. Lower intensity light bulbs and tubes can help with the light in the room at night.
3. Get Tested
An important component of eye safety is getting a yearly examination. Your physician can detect early warning signs of many medical conditions from a simple eye exam. Beyond being able to suggest if you require glasses, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even brain tumors show symptoms in an eye exam.
Protect Your Eyes With Prescription Glasses
The amount of time the average person spends in front of a screen is damaging to our eyes. To practice eye safety and health, there are a few things you can do, including taking a break, adjusting your screen, and regularly visiting your optometrist.
Your optometrist may suggest that you need prescription glasses to protect your eyes. If that’s the case, check out these deals on the best styles.
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