Take Control of Your Eyes with These Simple Tweaks
As a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, I’ve spent my fair share of time staring at screens. Whether it’s binge-watching my latest obsession or diving headfirst into a coding project, my eyes have seen their fair share of digital punishment. But you know what they say – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And in my case, it also makes Jack’s eyes feel like they’re about to pop out of his head.
Eye strain is a real problem, my friends. In fact, a study by The Vision Council found that a staggering 59% of people who regularly use computers and digital devices experience symptoms of digital eye strain [1]. Headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes – the works. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably experienced at least a few of these unpleasant side effects.
But fear not! I’ve done my research, and I’m here to share some tried and true tips to help you reduce eye strain and keep your peepers in tip-top shape. So, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a nice herbal tea, if you’re feeling fancy) and let’s dive in.
Adjust Your Screen Brightness and Contrast
One of the easiest ways to ease the strain on your eyes is to make sure your screen brightness and contrast are properly adjusted. As a general rule, you’ll want your monitor’s brightness to match the ambient light in your workspace [1].
So, if you’re sitting in a sunny room, you’ll want to crank up the brightness to keep things looking crisp and clear. But if you’re working in a dimly lit area, turning down the brightness will prevent your eyes from having to work overtime.
And when it comes to contrast, you’ll want to keep that around 60-70% [1]. Any higher, and you might find yourself squinting and straining to make out the details on your screen. Finding that sweet spot can make a world of difference.
Embrace the Dark Side (Mode, That Is)
Speaking of screen settings, have you ever considered giving dark mode a try? It may sound a bit counterintuitive, but switching to a dark background with white text can actually provide some relief for your eyes [1].
The key here is that dark mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted by your screen, which can be a major culprit when it comes to eye strain. Plus, it creates a better contrast between the text and the background, making it easier on your peepers.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t that make it harder to see?” Not necessarily! In fact, dark mode can be a game-changer, especially if you’re working in a dimly lit environment. Just be sure to give it a try and see what works best for you.
The 20-20-20 Rule: Your Eyes’ Best Friend
Alright, let’s talk about something that’s near and dear to my heart: the 20-20-20 rule [2]. It’s a simple concept, but it can make a huge difference in reducing eye strain.
Here’s how it works: every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break and focus your gaze on something that’s at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a much-needed breather from the constant close-up work of staring at a screen.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But I’m in the middle of a big project! I can’t just stop every 20 minutes!” Trust me, I’ve been there. But taking these little breaks can actually help you stay more focused and productive in the long run. It’s like giving your brain a mini-vacation, and your eyes will thank you for it.
So, set a timer, grab a snack, or even do a quick stretch – whatever it takes to give your eyes a well-deserved break. Your future self will thank you.
Customize Your Computer Glasses (or Get Some)
If you’re someone who wears glasses, you know how important it is to have the right prescription. But did you know that you can actually get specialized computer glasses to help reduce eye strain?
These bad boys are designed with the perfect distance and focus for staring at a screen all day. They can help alleviate issues like blurred vision, headaches, and that pesky dry eye feeling [3]. And the best part? You can even get them with anti-reflective coatings to cut down on glare.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t that be expensive?” True, custom computer glasses can be a bit of an investment. But trust me, it’s worth it. Especially if you’re someone who spends a significant portion of their day in front of a screen. It’s like an insurance policy for your eyes, and it’s definitely a worthwhile expense in my book.
Upgrade to a Flicker-Free Display
Remember those old-school CRT monitors? The ones that would sometimes have a noticeable “flicker” to them? Well, as it turns out, that flicker can actually be a major contributor to eye strain [1].
Thankfully, these days we’ve got fancy-schmancy flat-panel displays that are virtually flicker-free. And let me tell you, the difference is night and day. No more squinting and straining to focus on the screen – just smooth, comfortable viewing.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But my old CRT monitor still works fine!” And you’re not wrong. But trust me, if you have the opportunity to upgrade to a newer, flicker-free display, it’s definitely worth the investment. Your eyes will thank you, and you’ll be able to work (or game, or binge-watch, or whatever) for longer without the dreaded eye strain creeping in.
Embrace the Power of Artificial Tears
Last but not least, let’s talk about a simple solution that can make a big difference: artificial tears. These little bottles of magic can be a lifesaver when it comes to combating that dry, irritated eye feeling [3].
You see, when we’re focused on a screen, we tend to blink a lot less than we normally would. And that can lead to our eyes drying out, which can cause all sorts of discomfort. But a few drops of artificial tears can help replenish that precious moisture and keep your eyes feeling refreshed and hydrated.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t that just be a temporary fix?” And you’re not wrong. But even a temporary respite can make a world of difference, especially if you’re in the midst of a prolonged screen-staring session. And the best part? You can find these little bottles of eye-saving magic pretty much anywhere, so they’re always within reach.
So, there you have it, my friends – a collection of tried and true tips to help you reduce eye strain and keep your peepers in tip-top shape. From adjusting your screen settings to investing in some custom computer glasses, there’s no shortage of ways to give your eyes a break.
And remember, taking care of your eyes isn’t just about preventing discomfort – it’s about protecting one of your most valuable assets. So, let’s raise a glass (of water, of course) to our trusty eyeballs and give them the love and attention they deserve. After all, they’ve been working overtime to keep us connected to the digital world, and they deserve a little TLC in return.
References
[1] Asurion. “The Best Monitor Settings for Your Eyes.” Asurion Connect, 14 Jul. 2023, https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/the-best-monitor-settings-for-your-eyes/.
[2] Microsoft. “Tips for Reducing Digital Eyestrain.” Microsoft Windows Learning Center, 6 Jun. 2023, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/learning-center/tips-for-reducing-digital-eyestrain.
[3] Mayo Clinic. “Eyestrain.” Mayo Clinic, 27 Feb. 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403.
