In today’s day and age, nearly every student or professional spends the majority of their days staring at computer screens. Whether individuals are working on a research paper for school, or they spend their workday communicating with clients online, most individuals are aware of the uncomfortable feeling of fatigue in their eyes after hours upon hours of looking at screens, known in the eye industry as Computer Vision Syndrome, or Digital Eye Strain. Individuals who do not take the necessary vision precautions when working with screens are more likely to have vision impairment down the line, below are some ways you can prevent computer vision syndrome.
As the most trusted eye care center in Cache County, UT, Monson Vision offers comprehensive eye exams and a wide variety of cutting-edge corrective procedures; and our vision experts want to offer a bit of advice for patients who spend the majority of their days working with computers and staring at screens.
Take Frequent Breaks
In order to prevent computer vision syndrome, in addition to neck and back pain, it’s recommended that computer users take 5-minute micro-breaks after each hour of looking at the computer, tablet, or phone screen. During those breaks, stand up, stretch to reduce tension in your muscles, and blink more frequently to prevent dryness of your eyes.
Change Your Display Settings
- Make sure your screen’s brightness matches the lighting in the area that you’re working.
- Use larger text and stick to black text on white backgrounds when reading or researching online for long periods of time.
- Reduce your screen’s color temperature to minimize the amount of blue light coming off of your display.
Consider a New Display
Ditch that old CRT tube-type monitor and upgrade to a newer LCD screen. LCD displays are designed to prevent glare, eye strain, and have higher resolutions.
Minimize Monitor Glare
Whether you’re able to prevent the sun’s glare from hitting your eyes or screen, or you wear specialized computer eyewear such as ones with photochromic lenses, or customized computer glasses that filter UV light, intended for gamers or those who spend their days staring at bright screens.
Schedule an Eye Exam!
It’s encouraged for all individuals to schedule an annual eye exam to ensure the health of their eyes, but especially so for those who work with computers regularly. Whether you’ve worn glasses for years, or you feel that your vision has worsened in recent times, it’s always a good idea to turn to a vision expert for a comprehensive eye exam.
Patients who would like to find out more information about the best ways to prevent Computer Vision Syndrome or are looking to have their vision corrected can give our Davis County, UT eye clinic a call at 435-213-1768! We’d also be more than happy to recommend a doctor who offers routine eye exams.