Majority of people in the country and around the world use screens daily. From computer screens, tablets, television sets, and smartphones.
The increased use of gadgets and exposure to blue light has been linked to eye strain by past research conducted by the Vision Council named Digital Eye Strain Report.
The report describes digital eye strain as any physical discomfort an individual experiences after being exposed to a digital screen for at least two hours.
“This digital age has put greater stress on our eyes as we adapt to this use. Innovations over the past years have been developed to help reduce the strain on eyes that many experiences from digital devices,” stated the former CEO of the Vision Council.
Owing to more advancements expected in the digital space, it is key to protect your eyes from the harmful emissions of the screen. Eye irritation, blurred vision, headaches, and dry eyes are some of the symptoms of digital eye strain.
To protect your eyes from screen light, the Vision Council advises that you should use blue-light-blocking materials or special filters that absorb high-energy blue light. This will reduce the amount of light that gets to your eye.
Screen users are also encouraged to adopt the 20-20-20 rule. According to the report, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Additionally, to avoid dry eyes, try blinking more often while being exposed to the digital screen. It is stated that staring at screens for a long time affects the number of times you blink. According to health experts, blinking helps in distributing hydrating substances in the eye.
Adjusting the text size on your digital device also reduces how much you have to strain your eyes. The report highlighted screen users who lamented they experienced headaches due to squinting.
In relation to your workstation, adjust the lighting that is competing with the device lighting. Also necessarily adjust the brightness of your device. On top of this try changing the background color from bright to cool colors.
Computer users are urged to adjust the position of the device in their workspace. You should be looking at the middle of the screen. A good position reduces the glare from the screen.
Any lamp on the workstation should not be directly pointed at your face. The light should be pointed downward, toward papers on the desk.
Conclusively, the report noted that digital screens are here to stay and more caution should be taken as there is no exact measure of the effect they have on the eyes in the long term.
