6 Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

It is not uncommon for individuals to spend long periods of time staring at a screen. Whether it is a phone, tablet, or computer we have all done this. It is therefore extremely important to understand that staring at a screen for prolonged periods of time, could have harmful effects on the health of your eyes.

You may have experienced at least one of these symptoms: dry itchy eyes, blurry vision, eye irritation, headaches, double vision.

These symptoms are usually caused by looking at a screen without giving your eyes a break throughout the day. Therefore it is important to be aware of these symptoms. Being aware will allow you to take the necessary precautions to keep your eyes healthy

Looking at a screen all day is poorly contributing to the health of your eyes.

Here’s how you can minimize the effects:

1. Reducing the Glare

Minimize the glare on your screen. Lighting surrounding you can cause a glare on your screen. It could be light from a window or overhead lighting that may be too bright. The glare affects your ability to decipher information on the screen. If the glare is caused by a; window close the blinds, if the lighting is too bright ask for a dimmer to be installed. Alternatively, try and move your screen to a better spot.

2. Blink Often

Remember to blink! Blinking is easily forgotten when you are staring at something which makes your eyes dry and you tend to strain your eyes this way. On average humans blink 10-20 times a minute, blinking helps keep your eyes lubricated.

3. Positioning yourself

Sitting too close to your screen is not ideal for your eyes. You may find yourself straining your eyes to focus on what you are reading. Ensure your screen is just below eye level, research has concluded the ideal distance is 50-70cm away. If you need to strain your neck or eyes to see what is on the screen, then it is not in the right position.

4. 20-20-20 Rule

It may not be possible to walk away from your screen to give your eyes a break. However, if you follow the 20-20-20 rule- every 20 minutes look 20 feet away (6 meters) for 20 seconds you can give your eyes a well-deserved break.

5. Adjust the settings on your computer

Adjust the contrast, font and, brightness of your screen to make it as comfortable as possible for you to look at your screen. If you find yourself squinting at your screen your settings are not ideal.

6. Visit your Optometrist

Make sure to go for regular check-ups to ensure you are using the correct strength of lenses. Your practitioner could even give you anti-glare lenses.

The state of your eye health is also dependent on a few other factors. Having overall good well-being definitely contributes to having well looked after eyes. Eat well, stay active, and, quit smoking.