From reading office emails to binge-watching your latest favorite show, most people spend a lot of time staring at screens. Unfortunately, extended digital use can cause eyestrain, pain, and headaches. To protect your vision and health during screen time, practice the eye care strategies listed below.

3 Ways to Avoid Digital Eyestrain

1. Take Breaks

Taking frequent breaks offers the most effective protection for your eyes. Staring at a screen for long periods of time limits eye movement and flexibility, which can diminish focusing ability over time. After 20 minutes of screen time, direct your eyes away from the screen to look at objects about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds; this is called the 20/20/20 rule. Blinking several times rapidly can also help combat dry eyes. 

2. Make Adjustments

Dimming the brightness on your smartphone, tablet, and computer can help diminish blue light exposure, which contributes to vision problems. Close distances to digital devices always cause more serious eyestrain, so try to keep your computer as far away as possible. A distance over 16 inches is generally considered safe.

3. Invest in Eye Care

Purchasing an anti-glare screen can minimize discomfort and reduce long-term effects of extended digital screen time. Anti-glare glasses and specialized blue light blocking lenses can also combat problems. Like computers, sunlight also contains harmful blue light, which is why eye doctors always recommend wearing sunglasses when outdoors.

Protect your vision and health when you consult Hardin County, Kentucky’s top eye care practice. For over 20 years, the experienced team of optometrists and opticians from Wise Vision Care in Elizabethtown have offered the specialized services locals rely on. If you’ve been experiencing eyestrain or other problems, they will help you relieve and manage symptoms. To learn more about the premier eye doctors, visit the website, and call (270) 769-3708 to schedule an appointment.