8 Tips to Reduce Eye Strain and Discomfort from Blue Light
/8 Tips to Reduce Eye Strain and Discomfort from Blue Light
If you wonder where to look for help regarding eye strain, here are a few tips that you can incorporate right now that can be helpful to reduce your strain and discomfort. As an optometrist at Focus Vision Care in Staten Island, NY. I aim to give my patients the tools they need to improve their eye health.
1. Reading material should be placed no closer than the distance between the center of your middle knuckle to your elbow. And computer screens should be even further.
2. Maintain the 20/20/20 rule. Take a 20 second visual break by looking 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
3. It is best to get up and move as well.
4. Keep hydrated by keeping a closed water bottle beside you.
5. Natural light is the best! So make sure your room lighting is not too dark or too bright.
6. If studying notes or reading a textbook illumination on the screen should be about three times that of the surrounding background.
7. Sloping work surfaces such as a slanted desk tilted 20 to 25° will reduce tension and stress on head, shoulders, neck and eyes.
8. Encourage outside play time as much as possible.
There are many apps available on smartphones tablets and computers to help you set your timer according to your sleep requirement and put your electronics into sleep mode, decreasing the amount of blue light exposure. Additionally, to reduce the strain you can increase the magnification on the screen so that text is 110 to 120% larger.
With the growing use of screens in all walks of life, a balanced holistic approach is of utmost importance. Remember, if you have children at home, make sure that you are modeling proper visual hygiene behavior for them as they will take their cues from watching you.
For more information, find us at Focus Vision Care in Staten Island, New York 10314. You can reach us at focusvisioncare.com or focusvisioncareinc@gmail.com.
Credits: Review of Optometry. Jan 15, 2021.
NJSOP : Eye on New Jersey, Winter 2020.