Whether you enjoy gaming or work at a computer, you’ve likely experienced eye fatigue after looking at a screen all day. This common condition is caused by a number of factors related to computer use, including blue light exposure and keeping your eyes open without blinking. If you don’t take steps to address eye fatigue, you may need to see an eye doctor before your symptoms can improve. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid eye fatigue, such as the following three tips.

Ways to Prevent Eye Fatigue

1. Use the 20-20-20 Rule

Your eyes dry out and begin to strain when you stare at a computer for too long, so practice the “20-20-20 rule.” Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer. Focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will relax your eyes so you don’t put too much stress on them. Setting reminders on your phone can help you keep track of these intervals at first.

2. Adjust Display Settings

Making a few adjustments to your screen can make a big difference. Start by turning the brightness down so it matches the brightness of your work area. You can test it by checking to see if a white webpage is the prominent light source in the room. Next, lower the color temperature. Cutting blue light will reduce the strain on your eyes. You can then adjust the text size and contrast so you won’t have to squint when looking at your screen.

3. Remember to Blink

While blinking may seem like a natural process, people tend to blink less often when they’re working in front of a screen, leading to dry eyes. Dryness can lead to irritation and temporarily impact vision. If you experience dry eyes outside the workplace, speak with your eye doctor about prescription eye drops. Your doctor may also want to make sure that your dry eyes aren’t related to another medical issue or a medication you’re taking.

If you’re overdue for an eye exam, turn to eye doctor Dr. Brett K. Radow of Spencer, WV. Dr. Radow provides comprehensive eye care services at his practice, including treating diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. He can also provide glasses and other corrective lenses to ensure you see clearly. Call (304) 927-5112 to schedule an eye exam, and connect online to learn more about this eye doctor.