Protect Your Eyes from Digital Eye Strain

Today, we will talk about the prevalent issue of digital eye strain – its causes and things you can do to prevent it.

When we want to focus on an object close at hand, the action of the ciliary muscles puts tension on the eyeball that changes its shape and makes the lens thicker. In adults, prolonged use of these muscles can cause our eyes to ache. But there are more serious consequences for children since their eyes are still developing and will be depended on for many more years.

How can you tell whether you have CVS? If you regularly spend two or more hours in front of an electronic visual display, two primary symptoms to be aware of are blurred vision and dry eyes. Other signs include redness, itching and possibly even a headache or pain in the neck.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent CVS. First of all, doctors recommend adopting what is referred to as the 20-20-20 rule. It entails looking away from your device’s screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Focus instead on something at least 20 feet (six meters) away. For example, gaze outside at a cloud in the sky. When your eyes switch from what is near to anything at a distance, they get a chance to relax.

When using a computer, make sure the screen is at an appropriate distance and height relative to your head. It should be positioned 50 to 70 centimeters away from your eyes. Then, as you look straight ahead, you want the center of the display to be about 15 or 20 degrees below eye level.

Also, experiment with tilting the screen until you find the most comfortable viewing position. Make a conscious effort to blink more often. Why? Because each blink spreads a thin layer of moisture over the surface of your eyes. So, remember to close your eyes periodically when using digital devices.

Many dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli, are great for maintaining your vision. They contain a pair of antioxidants – lutein and zeaxanthin – that protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. They also work to prevent cataracts and damage to the macula.