Have you ever spent long hours in front of your work or home computer and noticed eye dryness and pain? This condition is called digital eye fatigue, and it’s a common issue. It can cause several problems, including headaches and blurry vision, which is why you should protect your eyes. Whether you wear glasses and corrective lenses or have healthy eyes, use the following tips whenever you’re on the computer.

How to Protect Your Eyes When Using a Computer

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

When using a computer for long periods, stop every 20 minutes, and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You can also close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. While research is ongoing, promising studies suggest that this practice may reduce eye strain-related symptoms, including dry or watery eyes, redness, and headaches.

2. Reduce Glare & Bright Light

Screen glare can be harsh on your eyes. If you wear glasses, speak with your eye doctor about an anti-glare coating or a blue light filter coating for your lenses. You can also apply a matte filter to the computer monitor.

Additionally, the screen lighting should match the brightness of your surroundings. Look at a white web page or text document. The color shouldn’t be brighter than any light sources in the room. You can also adjust the color temperature on the monitor—use warmer colors in dark rooms and cooler hues in bright areas. There are also several computer plug-ins available to help manage these settings.

3. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

To prevent uncomfortable dry eyes, stay hydrated by drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. It’s helpful to keep a refillable water bottle at your work or home desk. You can also use eye drops to rehydrate, though this should only be an addition to drinking water. Speak to your eye doctor about artificial tears or prescription eye drops for dry eyes.

If you want more tips on how you can protect your eyes while using the computer, contact the knowledgeable team at the Hawaii Vision Clinic in Aiea or Honolulu. This practice is led by Dr. William K. Wong, Jr. and offers patients prescription contact lenses and glasses of all styles. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 594-9194 to schedule an appointment.