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Try These Simple Tips to Beat Eye Strain

August 9, 2024 Admin

If you’re a veteran desk job worker, you’re probably all too familiar with the way your eyeballs feel after a long day. If you’re new to the computer work lifestyle, you’re probably thinking (if not screaming), “What is going on with my eyes?!”

Welcome to Club Eye Strain (it’s not a fun club). Eye strain can induce all sorts of unpleasant feelings, such as burning, itching, dry eyes, watery eyes, headaches, blurry vision, double vision, tiredness and difficulty focusing. 

You’re not doomed to living with eye strain, no matter how long you stare at a screen. You can reduce your chances of developing eye strain with simple changes to your habits. Here’s what you need to know. 

Read more: Best Prescription Glasses

What is eye strain?

Sometimes, the 20-20-20 rule isn’t enough to keep your eyes from burning, itching or tiring out. Thankfully, there are other tips you can use as well to relieve and reduce eye strain. 

• Reduce glare on your computer screen by adjusting your settings or using a matte filter (lots of computers come with matte screens, these days, too).
• Reduce the contrast and brightness on your computer screen.
• Position your computer screen so that it’s 24 to 26 inches away from your face, and so that your eyes point down slightly, rather than up or straight. 
• Permanently enable night mode on your device so it emits gentler, yellower light.

When you should go to the eye doctor?

One of the largest contributors to regular instances of eye strain is undiagnosed vision troubles. When we can’t see clearly, our eyes naturally squint to bring things into focus — we can’t help it. Squinting at a computer screen all the time puts extra pressure on your eyes, which leaves you with unpleasant feelings of eye strain. 

Don’t forget to schedule your yearly eye exam to check up on the health of your eyes and address prescription glasses needs. Sometimes, getting rid of eye strain is as easy as going to the eye doctor.