Safeguarding Your Eyes from Screens

We live in a world where we're constantly looking at screens. Whether we're working on a computer, scrolling through our phones, or watching television, it seems like we can't go five minutes without taking a look at a screen. And while screens can be great for leisure and staying connected with other people, they can also be tough on our eyes. If you're someone who spends plenty of time looking at screens, it is important to take actions to safeguard your eyes. Here are four suggestions to help you do just that.

Take breaks often

One of the best things you can do for your eyes would be to take breaks frequently. When you are looking at a screen for long periods of time, your eyes could get tired and strained. In order to avoid this, make sure to take a break every 20 minutes or so. Get up and walk around for a few minutes or simply close your eyes and rest them for a little bit. This will help lessen eye fatigue and keep your eyes healthy in the long run.

Adjust the lighting in the room

The lighting within the room also can have an effect on your eyesight. If the room is too bright, it can cause glare on the screen, which can strain your eyes. Conversely, if the room is too dark, you could end up squinting to see the screen, which can also lead to eye fatigue. To avoid these problems, adjust the lighting within the room until it is at a comfortable level for you. You may even want to invest in an anti-glare screen protector to further decrease any strain on your eyes.

Blink frequently

When we look at screens, we have a tendency to blink a lot less than we usually would. This could cause our eyes to be dry and irritated. In order to avoid this issue, make sure you blink often when you are looking at a screen. You can even set a reminder on your phone or laptop or computer to remind you to blink every couple of minutes. This will help keep the eyes lubricated and healthy.

See an eye doctor on a regular basis

Lastly, one of the best ways to protect your eyes is to see an eye doctor regularly. They can check for any underlying problems that could be causing eye strain or other problems. They can also prescribe eyeglasses or contacts if necessary and give you particular advice on how to care for your eyes based on your individual needs.

If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, it's important to take actions to safeguard your vision. By following these four tips—taking breaks frequently, adjusting the lights within the room, blinking often, and seeing an eye doctor regularly—you can help keep your eyes healthy and lessen any strain that looking at screens may cause.