Five Tips To Stop Your Eyes From Hurting When Working On The Computer

07 Aug 2020

Digital eye strain is prevalent, affecting approximately 59% of people who use a computer for work on a routine basis. Symptoms of digital eye strain include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck pain, and eye fatigue, to name but a few, and yet people struggle through these symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. If you think that you may be suffering from digital eye strain, here are five things that could help.

1. Computer glasses

Computer glasses are designed to help reduce screen glare and make your eyes more comfortable while you are working on the computer. If you do not already have an eyeglasses prescription, you will need to have an eye test to determine the strength of the glasses you need. If you already wear glasses or know your prescription, then it is easy to buy eyeglasses online. Eyeglasses can also be beneficial for contact lens wearers, stopping their eyes and lenses from becoming dry during extended periods of screen use.

2. Adjust the lighting around you

It may be nice to sit by the window, but sunlight and harsh interior lighting can both contribute to digital eye strain. Try eliminating exterior lighting by closing your curtains or shutting your blinds, and position your computer away from direct sunlight if you can. If your office uses fluorescent lighting, then, this too can cause digital eye strain.

3. Change the colour temperature settings on your computer

Most people already know that the brightness of their screen can contribute to eye strain, but what they fail to consider is the temperature. The temperature of your screen determines the spectrum of colour emitted by your display. For optimum comfort over a long period of time, a warmer screen temperature is best as it reduces the amount of blue light emitted.

4. Take breaks and exercise your eyes

Focusing on a screen that is right in front of you for an extended period is not natural for your eyes, so it is crucial that you give them regular breaks. To reduce the risk of your eyes becoming strained from staring at your screen for too long, try the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes, you look at an object that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This exercise allows your eyes to refocus.

5. Make sure that your desk is properly set up

Sitting hunched over a laptop is not only going to strain your eyes but will give you neck and back pain too. Position your computer screen at least 20 inches from your eyes and elevate it so that you can view it without needing to arch your back or crane your neck. Position your desk chair so that your elbows sit at a 90-degree angle when you are typing and adjust your chair so that you have the right amount of lumbar support.

Working at a computer all day may not be natural, but there are things that you can do to help reduce your risk of developing digital eye strain and to make yourself more comfortable throughout the working day.

Cheers,
Big Daddy

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Craig Silva

Craig is a husband, a father, team leader, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, blogger, and social media manager. Craig likes to go camping, travel, go on road trips, watch movies, read with his girls, build stuff, operate the grill, and play bass guitar. In June 2017, PR firm Cision identified Craig as one of Canada’s top 10 most popular male bloggers in the parents and family space. Known as Big Daddy Kreativ, his blog specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, automotive, events, parenting, movies, tech, recipes, health, pets, reviews, and giveaways.