You’ve probably noticed when you spend too much time staring at a screen, you may start to experience tired and dry eyes. People tend to blink less when they are focused on a screen for long periods of time, and movement on the screen makes your eyes work harder to focus. All that can add up to some irritating issues.
Negative Effects of Too Much Screen Time
Eye fatigue may be the first symptom you notice, which is just a general feeling of tiredness in the eyes and strain. When you ignore this symptom, you may begin to suffer additional problems such as double-vision, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. Also, because you blink less when your focused on a screen, your eyes aren’t getting the moisture they need, which can lead to dry, irritated eyes. If you already have been diagnosed with Dry Eye, too much screen time can significantly exacerbate the condition. Wearing contacts while using electronic screens for long periods can be especially uncomfortable, due to contacts drying faster than our eyes.
How to Protect Your Eyes
Here are some helpful tips to help alleviate eye strain from excessive screen time.
- Take breaks
The American Ophthalmological Society recommends taking a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the 20-20-20 rule). This gives your eyes a break and allows them to refocus.
- Hydrate
Keep your eyes moist by using artificial tears and by blinking more. You should also drink lots of water and use a humidifier to keep moisture in the air.
- Adjust lighting
You don’t want to be working on a screen that is too bright in a darkened room or visa versa. Ensure your screen isn’t brighter than the surrounding light and set your contrast so words are easy to read. Also, check that there is no glare on your screen from the sun or internal light.
- Consider blue-light blockers
You can get plain or prescription glasses with a special blue-light coating that reduces blue-light from screens from getting through and potentially damaging your eyes.
Get Your Yearly Eye Exam
The most important thing you can do to prevent eye problems is to be sure to visit your eye doctor for a yearly eye exam and schedule an appointment right away if you are having any problems with your vision.
Tyson Eye is regarded as one of the premier eye care centers in Southwest Florida. Our surgeons and doctors have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision and have consistently introduced break-through technology to the area. Tyson Eye is committed to excellence by delivering modern technology with old fashioned concern.
If you’re experiencing eye fatigue, dry eye, or simply want to get new glasses or contacts, we’re here for you. Contact us to a free consultation today or call 239-542-2020.
