Addressing Digital Eye Strain: Tips from our optometric team at Custom Eyes Optometry
As technology becomes more and more of an integral part of our lives so we see an increase in complaints about digital eye strain. One of the most common symptoms is eye discomfort and fatigue that often manifests halfway through the working day.
At Custom Eyes Optometry our very our optometric team is here to guide patients through navigating these symptoms and simple steps to take to safeguard your eyes.
Understanding Blue Light and Its Impact on Eye Health
Blue light is a high-energy visible light emitted from digital screens, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Exposure to blue light is directly linked to digital eye strain, causing symptoms such as eye fatigue, discomfort, and sometimes even headaches. Studies have also shown how blue light can interfere with our sleep patterns as blue light disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for making us sleepy.
5 Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
our optometric team recommends the following practical tips for minimizing eye discomfort and fatigue during digital screen use:
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit gives your eyes a chance to refocus and reduce strain from prolonged screen use.
- Adjust Screen Settings: Lower the brightness of your device to match the ambient light of your surroundings, and consider increasing the font size for easy reading. Reducing screen glare can also prevent eye discomfort.
- Use Blue Light Filters: Many devices offer blue light filters, which reduce the amount of blue light emitted from the screen. Additionally, blue light-blocking glasses can further filter out harmful rays, providing relief for those who spend long hours at a screen.
- Blink Regularly and Stay Hydrated: Staring at a screen can decrease your blink rate, which can lead to dry eyes and discomfort. Consciously blinking more often and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your eyes hydrated.
- Take Regular Breaks: Make it a point to stand up, stretch, and move around every hour. This not only benefits your eyes but also reduces physical fatigue from prolonged sitting.
Treatment Options for Digital Eye Strain
At Custom Eyes Optometry, our optometric team offers personalized solutions to manage digital eye strain. Our lens treatments allow us to create blue light-blocking lenses to minimize the effects of screen time. We also offer lubricating eye drops for dry eyes and each of these treatments are tailored to each patient's specific needs. Our comprehensive eye exams allow us to monitor and detect the most subtle of changes before they manifest physically or become harmful to your ocular health.
Safeguard Your Eye Health with Custom Eyes Optometry,
Comprehensive eye care addresses every aspect of your vision health, including seemingly trivial factors like managing screen time, which can help alleviate eye strain. We’re here to provide you with the relief and education you seek when it comes to protecting your peepers. Request your appointment to find the perfect, personalized treatment plan for you!