Eye Strain: 9 Tips to Reduce eye strain from lighting

Reduce eye strain

As the days get shorter and the return to solar time approaches at the end of the month, we realize the importance of lighting when watching television or carrying out common activities at home. The same is true if you work in front of a screen, both in the office and, more and more often, also at home, especially if for many hours a day. In some cases the solution is to wear glasses prescribed for specific activities (for computer use or reading) in order to reduce eye fatigue; However, it is a good practice to take regular breaks to help your eyes focus.

In particular, eye fatigue is a common problem for anyone who works for many hours in front of a screen, and to solve it it is often useful to change some daily habits, but also to change the environment around us.

How to reduce the feeling of eye fatigue?

The following tips can help reduce or prevent eye strain:

1. Adjust the lighting. When looking at a screen, whether it’s your laptop or television, you can reduce the strain on your eyes by keeping the room slightly lit. When reading printed material, however, try to position the light source behind you and direct the light onto the page or activity you are doing. If you are reading at a desk, use a light placed in front of you, but not too strong or direct, so as to prevent the light from blinding you.

2. Take breaks. When looking at a screen for many hours, it is good to take occasional breaks and rest your eyes by looking away.

3. Limit the time you spend in front of the screen. Prolonged viewing of a screen and eyestrain are closely linked. Hence the need to rest your eyes regularly, forcing yourself to a maximum of hours a day.

4. Use artificial tears. Artificial tears you can buy at the drugstore can help prevent and relieve the feeling of dry eyes by keeping them well lubricated. Get advice from an ophthalmologist to understand which is the most suitable eye drops for your needs.

5. Improve the air quality of your space. Some changes that can help prevent dry eyes include using a humidifier and especially avoiding smoke and poorly ventilated rooms.

6. Choose the right glasses for you. If you need glasses or contact lenses, choose specifically designed for those who spend long hours in front of a screen or suffer from eye strain. Ask your eye doctor about lens coatings and tints that may help you.

 

Tips for working correctly in front of a screen

Prolonged computer use is one of the most common causes of eye strain. If you work at a desk and use a computer, these steps can help relieve the sense of fatigue in your eyes.

 1. Blink often. Blinking helps to produce tears that moisten and refresh your eyes giving you relief. Try to get into the habit of doing this more often when looking at a monitor.

 2. Take breaks. During the day, give your eyes a break by looking away from the monitor. It consists of taking a break every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away (about 6 meters) for at least 20 seconds. Trial!

 3. Check the lighting and choose non-dazzling lights. Bright light and excessive glare can strain your eyes and make it difficult to see objects on a monitor. The worst problems are usually caused by sources above or behind you, including fluorescent lighting and sunlight. Try turning off some or all of the lights in the room.

 

eye exam: an appointment for a follow-up eye exam-

If you have eye problems, headaches, or changes in vision that can affect your well-being, make an appointment for a check-up visit.

appointment: information to help you prepare for your appointment–

• • List the symptoms you have had and for how long.

• • Keep a daily log of the time you spend on eye-straining activities, such as looking at digital devices and reading.

 

For eye strain, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• • What is likely causing my signs and symptoms?

• • What are the other possible causes?

• • Do I need tests to confirm the diagnosis?

• What changes could I make to my work or home environment, including my computer desk, to reduce symptoms?