People spend more time staring at screens these days than they ever have before, thanks to computers, smartphones, and televisions. All this screen time has led to a surge in computer vision syndrome, which causes strain, headaches, and dry eyes. You may not be able to avoid the need to look at screens, but luckily, there are some simple steps that will protect your eyes.

How to Protect Your Eyes During Screen Time

1. Take Breaks

Staring at a screen for hours on end strains your eyes since you're fixating on a point immediately in front of you. Giving your eyes a break by looking at something far away will help. 

To work this tactic into your day, use the 20-20-20 rule. Set a timer for every 20 minutes. When it goes off, look at something at least 20 feet away from you for at least 20 seconds, so your eyes adjust to long-distance perception for a moment. 

2. Use Eye Drops

Your blink rate slows down when looking at a screen. This is usually the combined result of your close concentration and the brightness of the screen.

Unfortunately, reduced blinking promotes dryness. If you find you have dry eyes at the end of the day, use artificial tears and place a humidifier by your desk to introduce some extra moisture. 

3. Block Blue Light

Digital screens give off blue light. As one of the types of light emitted by the sun, blue light is healthy in small amounts. However, too much of it will strain your eyes and interfere with your biological clock. Looking at a screen late at night, for example, will make your body think it's daytime, which can delay sleep and make it less restful. 

With screen time so prevalent in today's culture, it's wise to invest in measures against excessive eye strain. Wear glasses that are designed to block blue-light or place a blue-light blocker in front of your computer screen. 

Comprehensive Eye Care conducts routine eye exams to monitor and correct your vision in Washington, MO. Dr. Korenfeld can treat digital eye strain and dry eyes, and the practice offers a full scope of vision-correcting services, such as glasses, contact lenses, and LASIK surgery. Learn more on their website and call (636) 390-3999 to schedule an appointment or ask about participating in one of their clinical trials.