How to Relieve Digital Eye Strain

Just two hours in front of a digital screen can cause your eyes to feel strained. The average Australian spends 10 hours a day staring at some form of screen. This is not surprising given the increased dependency on computers, tablets and mobile devices for work and school.

Digital eye strain can be caused by:

• Poor lighting
• Screen glare and blue light
• Improper viewing distance from devices
• Not blinking enough
• Poor posture

Digital eye strain affects all age groups but can be relieved by following a few easy steps.

1. USE THE 20-20-20 RULE

Each time you use your digital device, take a 20 second break from the screen every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away.

2. POSITION YOUR COMPUTER MONITOR

Keep your computer monitor at arm’s length for proper viewing distance and have the top of the monitor near or below eye level to avoid straining your eyes and neck.

3. BLINK OFTEN

Remind yourself to blink frequently to prevent your eyes from drying out.

4. GET REGULAR EYE TESTS

Unattended eye conditions may worsen digital eye strain. Make sure you have regular comprehensive eye tests every year, regardless of whether you are a heavy digital device user or not.

5. CONSIDER BLUE LIGHT LENSES

Wearing glasses with blue light lenses is a popular way to decrease symptoms of digital eye strain. They look like regular glasses but feature a protective lens coating that helps filter out harmful blue light from reaching your eyes, keeping your eyes relaxed.

Visit your local Eyecare Plus to find out more about blue light glasses available.