If you are like most people who spend so much time in front of the computer screen, you might have experienced your eyes drying out while working. And although this is not exactly as grave as some other conditions are, its symptoms can get pretty uncomfortable. It’s a good thing that this problem is also short-term. It can even be avoided. Here are some ways to do so.
- Blink. We tend to blink less when we are facing the computer screen. This is because your eyes will need more effect to focus more so that you can decipher the words and pictures in the monitor. Remind yourself to blink as often as you can. It would be better if you close your eyes for a few seconds every now and then.
- 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, focus on an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will allow your eyes to get adjusted to seeing at far distances, especially when you get off of your computer.
- Adjust screen settings. When you set up your screen so it is a little dull, you might find it easier to read the text on the screen. Ideally, your screen should be in equal brightness as the area where you are working in. Try setting your brightness to 0 and your contrast to somewhere in the 80s. You should see some difference in your ease of looking at the screen.
- Back up the monitor. A distance of 16 to 24 inches is already a good distance between you and your monitor, considering its size as well as your eyesight. If you are having difficulty reading the text in this distance, consider changing the size of the text on your browser.
- Try to use computer less. Learn to type and read faster so you can spend less time in front of your computer. If you have to read long pages, consider printing them out so you can read it off of the computer.
Make sure that you stay hydrated so you can have enough supply to make tears and lubricate your eyes. Otherwise, use artificial tears drops from time to time while working in the computer. You might notice that your eyes get red but do not use drops for treat eye redness. This might cause rebound redness and would make the redness chronic. Artificial tear drops will already do. Getting rid of the dryness will get rid of the redness.
Many people believe that spending long hours in front of the computer screen can make you nearsighted. This is just a myth. In fact, looking at a computer screen is just like reading a book. Note that most of these tips can also be applied when viewing other types of screens. These include the television, handheld games, and even mobile phones.
If the symptoms persist despite your attempts to relieve it, schedule a visit to your eye doctor as soon as you can. It might be a sign of an underlying condition that will need medical attention and treatment.
Amy C. is an encoder and transcriptionist. She aims to help other people who are prone to eye diseases from computer use by giving them with tips on how to prevent them. She also writes for Lasik Houston, a company offering services for Lasik patients at affordable Lasik Houston prices. Stay tuned for more of Amy’s tips on how to maintain good eye health.