The computer is one of today’s most useful and versatile tools. People use computers at home and in all types of industries, from healthcare to finance. However, this isn’t to say that computers don’t have any disadvantages.
One of the biggest problems that computers present is computer vision syndrome. For anyone who uses computers, computer vision syndrome is a common occurrence. If you use computers day in and day out, chances are you’ve either experienced computer vision syndrome at some point, or you’ve been dealing with it for a prolonged period.
Computer Vision Syndrome: What Is It?
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is also known as computer eye strain or digital eye strain. CVS is a group of symptoms that affect one’s vision. Symptoms of CVS include dry eyes, eye redness, eye pain or irritation, and headaches.
Working with computers, smartphones, tablets, or any other devices with a digital LED screen takes a heavy toll on the eyes. People experience computer vision syndrome when they spend excessive amounts of time looking at computer and smartphone screens.
CVS is common among regular computer users, and it affects approximately 60 million people across the globe. You likely use a computer for work as well as own a smartphone, which means you’ve either suffered or are currently suffering from computer vision syndrome.
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The severity of your symptoms will depend on factors that include (but are not limited to):
- The amount of time you spend in front of your computer or smartphone
- The lighting in your home
- Pre-existing vision problems you may have
Relieving and Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome
As common as computer vision syndrome is, the good news is that relieving and preventing its symptoms is relatively easy. To prevent computer vision syndrome, follow these tips:
Drink water
Proper hydration is one of the most important yet easiest ways to relieve and prevent computer vision syndrome. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Water hydrates your entire body, and that includes your eyes. Drinking plenty of water helps your eyes produce tears that lubricate your visual organs.
To keep yourself adequately hydrated, medical experts recommend drinking around 2 to 3 liters of water per day.
Adjust Your Lighting
Exposure to bright lights—including the light from your computer screen—can dry out your eyes, and eye dryness is one of the first and most common symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
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To prevent your eyes from getting too dry, avoid bright lights by adjusting the lighting in the space you are working in. Whether you are working from home or in an office, proper lighting is one of the keys to computer vision syndrome.
Dim the lights in your space. If possible, turn off all lighting except for one that is positioned far behind you and your computer. Turning on only the light far behind you means that you aren’t directly exposing your eyes to too much light.
Use lubricant Eye Drops
Another way to keep your eyes moist is to use over-the-counter lubricant eye drops or artificial tears. These products contain ingredients that are formulated to moisturize your eyes and provide quick relief from the symptoms of dry eyes.
You can find lubricant eye drops in any pharmacy and even online, and you can buy them without a doctor’s prescription. There are many brands available, and they all contain different ingredients, some of which you may be allergic to even if you don’t know it. As such, you may want to consult your doctor to determine which brand is right for you.
If you want to avoid possible allergies, use preservative-free eye drops that contain sodium hyaluronate. Sodium hyaluronate is unlikely to cause allergies since your bodies also produce it.
Give Your Eyes A Rest
Whenever you’re working in front of a computer, it’s crucial that you take frequent eye breaks. An effective way of resting your eyes is the “20-20-20” rule.
Jeffrey Anshel, an optometrist from California, designed the “20-20-20” rule to give patients an easy reminder for taking breaks when they’re working with computers.
The premise of the 20-20-20 rule is simple. Every 20 minutes, you take a break by turning away from your computer screen and looking at an object that’s at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Frequently changing your viewing distance relaxes the muscles in your eye and prevents them from getting overworked. Practice the 20-20-20 rule whenever you’re working in front of your computer, and you’ll see a huge difference in how your eyes feel after.
Conclusion
There you have it: four simple and easy ways you can relieve your dry, tired eyes. Follow these tips the next time you’re working in front of your computer, and you’ll see a significant difference when it comes to the comfort level of your eyes. Just keep in mind that our advice is not a replacement for the advice of a licensed eye care professional or physician. If you still experience symptoms of dry eyes despite following the tips mentioned in this blog, consult your doctor immediately.
