How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy When Staring at a Computer Screen for Long Hours

Working on a computer for extended periods of time can put a lot of strain on your eyes. It is a common problem for people who have computer-based jobs, and it can result in eye fatigue, headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, and even long-term damage. However, there are ways to alleviate eye strain and keep your eyes healthy.

The Importance of Eye Exercises

One way to prevent eye strain is through eye exercises. Just like any other muscle in your body, your eye muscles need regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. Eye exercises can also help improve your eye coordination, focus, and flexibility.

According to WikiHow, doing eye exercises regularly is more important than doing them for a long time. Even 30-60 seconds of eye movement every hour can significantly help reduce eye strain and fatigue. For instance, when your computer takes a long time to load, instead of wasting your time, you can do a simple eye exercise like making a few circles with your eyes. You should notice a significant difference in the way your eyes feel.

However, before you start doing any eye exercises, it is recommended that you consult your eye doctor first. This is because some exercises can cause further strain or even permanent damage to your eyes.

Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

In addition to eye exercises, there are several other things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and reduce eye strain. Here are some tips:

1. Adjust Your Computer Settings

Make sure that your computer settings are adjusted properly to reduce eye strain. Set your monitor brightness to a level that is comfortable for your eyes. Make sure that the contrast between the background and the characters on the screen is not too high. Adjust the text size and font to make it easier to read.

2. Take Breaks

It is essential to take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. Every 20-30 minutes, take a break and look away from the screen. Focus on something in the distance to give your eyes a break from the up-close screen view. Taking breaks will not only reduce eye strain, but it will also help improve your overall productivity.

3. Blink More Often

When you stare at a computer screen for an extended period, you tend to blink less frequently. Blinking is essential for keeping your eyes moist and reducing dryness. Therefore, it is important to consciously blink more often to keep your eyes lubricated.

4. Keep Your Screen Clean

A dirty computer screen can cause significant eye strain. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the screen, making it difficult to read. Therefore, it is crucial to clean your screen regularly to improve visibility and reduce eye strain.

5. Use Eye Drops

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your eyes may still feel dry and irritated. In such cases, using eye drops can help alleviate the symptoms. It is essential to choose appropriate eye drops that are suitable for your particular needs.

6. Wear computer glasses

Some people may require computer glasses, which can reduce the blue light and glare from digital screens that can contribute to eye strain. Computer glasses have lenses that block most blue light and often have an anti-reflective coating.

Conclusion

Taking care of your eyes is crucial, especially if you have a job that requires you to spend a lot of time working on a computer. By incorporating eye exercises, adjusting your computer settings, taking breaks, blinking more often, cleaning your screen regularly, using eye drops, and wearing computer glasses, you can prevent eye strain and keep your eyes healthy and happy. Remember to consult your eye doctor before starting any eye exercises and follow their advice to protect your eyes.