Protecting Your Eyes in a World of Screens

We spend more hours than ever looking at screens: phones, laptops, televisions. For most people that is harmless. For many, though, it quietly feeds dry eye and digital eye strain, that gritty, tired, sometimes blurry feeling that creeps in towards the end of the day.

The reassuring news is that small habits help a great deal.

The 20-20-20 rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It relaxes the focusing muscles inside the eye and gives them a brief, restorative break.

Blink, and really mean it

When we lock onto a screen, our blink rate drops sharply, and the tear film that keeps the eye comfortable evaporates faster. Make a conscious effort to blink fully and often. If your eyes still feel dry, lubricating eye drops can help.

Mind your lighting and posture

• Position the screen so it is not catching glare from a window or lamp.
• Keep it slightly below eye level and about an arm’s length away.
• Light the room comfortably. A bright screen in a dark room is hard on the eyes.

When to see an eye doctor

The odd bout of tiredness is normal. But persistent redness, burning, watering, blurred vision or headaches are worth a proper eye examination. Often these turn out to be dry eye that responds well to treatment. Occasionally they point to something that deserves a closer look.

Your eyes were never built for hours of unbroken near work. Give them a few kind habits, though, and they will handle modern life quite comfortably.

This article is general information, not a substitute for a personal consultation. If you have concerns about your eyes, please get in touch.