If you find yourself squinting at your screen or rubbing your eyes after a long day at the office, you’re not alone. In our digital age, many of us spend hours in front of computers, and this can lead to what’s commonly known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain.
The good news? There are effective ways to prevent this modern malady. Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you say goodbye to eye strain.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
One of the easiest things to do to combat eye strain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice helps your eyes reset and can significantly reduce the strain caused by staring at your screen for too long.
Optimize your workspace
The setup of your workspace can greatly influence how your eyes feel by the end of the day. Position your computer screen about an arm’s length away from your eyes and slightly below eye level. This position reduces the stress on your neck and helps your eyes relax more while you’re looking at the screen.
Adjust your screen settings
Bright screens can be harsh on your eyes, so try adjusting the brightness of your display to match the light levels in the room. Additionally, increasing the text size and contrast can make a big difference in how easily you can read without straining your eyes. If you’re working in the evenings, consider using a blue light filter to minimize blue light exposure, which can interfere with sleep.
Blink more often
When we stare at screens, our blink rate tends to go down, which can lead to dry and irritated eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes moist and healthy. If you find that your eyes are still dry, use lubricating eye drops.
Create a balanced lifestyle
Remember, your overall health impacts your eye health. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial for eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.
Get regular eye exams and consider LASIK
Regular check-ups aren’t just for people with glasses or contacts. They are a crucial part of eye health, especially if you’re frequently exposed to electronic screens. An eye doctor can offer personalized advice and help catch any issues early, keeping your vision in the best shape possible.
Additionally, for many people in Omaha, LASIK surgery has greatly reduced or even eliminated the bulk of eye strain experienced from daily tasks. If you’ve been considering permanent vision correction, this is one more reason to give it serious consideration. Enhanced vision through Modern LASIK (or one of the other advanced vision correction treatments we perform at Kugler Vision) could help you reduce the dependency on corrective eyewear, making screen time more comfortable and less straining on your eyes. Preventing eye strain in a world dominated by bright screens might seem impossible, but with these practical steps, you can enjoy the digital world comfortably.
As modern vision correction specialists, we at Kugler Vision are committed to serving Omaha LASIK patients’ needs on the journey to a life free from visual barriers. Take the first step with a thorough eye analysis to determine if you qualify for Modern LASIK. Omaha-area patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK may be candidates for one of our 6 other advanced vision correction treatments. Book online at LASIKOmaha.com.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.