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Eye strains are common these days because we do not take enough breaks from using technology and we live glued to our devices.  Our eyes and eye muscles work harder than normal when we are staring at computer screens due to movements on the screen and reduced contrast between letters and backgrounds.  Another side effect besides eye strain that is caused by staring at a screen too long is dry eyes, because we tend to blink a lot less when we are focused on the screen.   

The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that looking at digital devices won’t necessarily damage your eyesight, but it can cause strain and unpleasant symptoms like dry eyes.  Additionally, these symptoms may get worse if you don’t resolve the problem.  Some ways you can resolve the problem at home is to limit activities that causes it or by making certain adjustments to the cause. 

The most popular habit to help with eye strain is the 20-20-20 rule.  This is where you take a break from staring at the screen every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  Same concept can be applied to those who read paper printed documents as well.  Another action you can take is adjusting your screen which includes changing settings for lighting, resolution, and refresh rate.   

You can also take physical measures to lessen eye strains by adjusting the distance, tints, and coating to even out reflections and glare.  OSHA recommends your monitor be positioned 20 to 40 inches in front of your eyes with top of your monitor lining up to your eye level, so that you’re looking down around 15 degrees when staring at your screen.  You can also utilize eye drops if your eyes are too dry or even the blue light glasses that protects your eyes from blue light that computers emit. 

You can also do eye exercises, which not only clean and moisturizes your eyes but stretches and strengthens it.  Some exercises include blinking several times throughout the day slowly, looking vertically and horizontally with eyes closed, focusing near and far, palming, and lastly resting. 

If you don’t take any actions, your strain will get worse, and you will experience even more symptoms like light sensitivity, trouble concentrating, difficulty keeping eyes open, soreness, headache, blurred and doubled visions, and much more.  Eye strain from digital devices can be uncomfortable and it’s best to understand when to take a break every now and then and not overwork yourself.