No matter your line of work, chances are you spend a significant amount of time looking at a screen each day. From laptops and desktops to tablets and smartphones, our digital experiences can take a toll on our eye health. The leading eye doctors from Allens Creek Family Optometry in Rochester, NY, want to help their patients avoid screen-related eye strain and are here with some advice.

5 Eye Doctor-Approved Tips for Combating Eye Strain While Using Computers

1. Upgrade Your Monitor

Computer screens have come a long way regarding image quality, which plays an important role in preventing eye strain. The higher the image quality, the less you’ll have to strain while reading documents, typing, watching videos, or playing games. If you’re still relying on an outdated monitor, consider investing in an LCD model.  

2. Adjust Your Settings

There are certain computer settings you can change to provide a better visual experience. Adjusting the brightness to match the illumination of your environment, for instance, prevents the screen from being too dark or too light. You can also reduce blue light levels, which are known for causing strain, in the color temperature settings.

3. Maintain a Proper Distance

If you sit too far from the computer, you’ll have to squint to see the screen. On the other hand, sitting too close to your monitor could produce symptoms like headaches and dizziness. The sweet spot for most computer users is just over two feet, but you may need to make subtle adjustments to find what works best for you.

4. Take Breaks Regularly

Vision strain is often a result of long, uninterrupted periods of work. Give your eyes a break using the 20-20-20 rule; take a break every 20 minutes by gazing at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Set reminders on your phone so you won’t forget.

5. Receive a Comprehensive Eye Exam

If you’ve followed these tips but still experience issues like dry eyes, headaches, or similar symptoms of eye strain, schedule an eye exam. These issues could point to an underlying issue, such as an outdated prescription or an undetected condition.

If you’re due for an eye exam or are experiencing an issue and need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Allens Creek Family Optometry. These experienced eye doctors use computer-assisted exams for early disease detection and to provide patients with the highest possible level of care. Learn more about their services on their website or call (585) 461-6225 to schedule an appointment.