Does your job or business require you to sit in front of the computer for a long period of time? Do you love to unwind in front of your phone or computer?
If yes, you need to understand that you are doing a lot of damage to your eyes. Your eye is very delicate, and a lot of screen time can cause digital eye strain. You must have noticed that after staring at your screen for a long time, your eyes feel strained and sore.
This is your eye feeling fatigued. Yes, considering the digital age in which we find ourselves, it might be difficult to avoid screen time altogether. But we can manage the effect it has on our eyes.
The techniques highlighted here are simple techniques to manage and treat eye strain. If you feel a lot of pain and discomfort for a long period of time, please contact your doctor immediately. Let’s get right to it.
How long do you spend staring at your screen?
According to a 2021 report by the Nigerian Communications Commission, Nigerians spend an average of three hours or more on their digital screens. Children, on the other hand, have an elevated screen time of 10 hours watching TV or using their smartphones.
The first question you need to ask yourself is, “How much time do you spend in front of your screen? This will determine the level of “digital eye strain” you are experiencing.
Complications of digital eye strain
If you use digital devices for a long period of time, here are some of the complications you might be faced with:
● Cataract
● Difficulty sleeping
● Difficulty focusing your retina
considering the digital age in which we find ourselves, it might be difficult to avoid screen time altogether
Symptoms of digital eye strains
If you know that, for some reason, you have extended digital screen times but are unsure if your eyes are strained, here are some of the symptoms you might experience:
● Constant itching of your eyes
● Difficulty concentrating
● Blurred and double vision
● Constant headaches and shoulder pains
● Watery and dry eyes
These symptoms are difficult to manage, particularly if you have a lot of work to do on your PC or smartphone. However, we have the right tools to manage the situation and the resulting symptoms.
Tips for relieving digital eye strain
If, based on the symptoms highlighted here, you are experiencing digital eye strain, here are some of the simple ways to relieve the symptoms. Whether your digital time is for the sun or as a result of your job, these tips will work for you:
Consider using glasses: The first thing you can do to combat digital eye strain is to ask your optician to prescribe glasses to manage your situation. Just as we use sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun, the prescribed glasses can protect your eyes from any form of digital eye strain.
Reduce the brightness of your screen: Another thing you can do to counter digital eye strain is to reduce the brightness of your device. Most new iPhone, Android, and Windows 11 devices come with eye care options, which you can use. This helps prevent the bright lights from straining your eyes, giving you the comfort to work for extended period without any strain.
Change your lighting settings: If you have been used to placing your device close to a well-lit place, you need to change the setting immediately. If you use overhead lights or stay close to the windows using your phone and PC, you need to opt for floor lights, which reduce the amount of light that reflects into your eyes.
Avoid raising your head to look at your PC monitor: As a standard, according to the American Optometric Association, you need to keep your monitor in a position where it is not elevated. You can keep it about 18 degrees below your eye level to prevent any form of eye strain.
Give your eyes a break: If you have a habit of working for extended period of time, you need to give your eyes a break every now and then. Split your tasks into smaller ones, and when you have extended the designated time, take a break. Walk around, and give your eyes a break from all the digital light on your device. When you do, try focusing on something far away from you.
Visit your optician: When all else fails, you need to visit your optician. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your eyes, determine the state of the damage, and propose the best solution to help you cope with it. If you spend a lot of time on your screens, you need to visit your doctor immediately.
Bottom line
Without your eyes, life can get a tad complicated. This is why it is important that you take care of your vision.
