TIPS TO ALLEVIATE EYE STRAIN

Reduce Eye FatigueDid you know if you spend more than two hours a day on a computer, you might have eye strain? Over 75% of all office workers suffer from eye strain. While it may not cause permanent damage to your eyes, it can make life pretty miserable. Eye strain can cause redness, irritation, dryness, double or blurred vision, headaches, and even neck or shoulder pain. If this sounds like something you might be experiencing here are 10 tips to alleviate eye strain in the future.

    1. Take a Break

      Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Just tell your boss, we approved this message and it will ultimately make you more productive.

    2. Blink frequently

      Do not forget to blink periodically. Staring at computer screens can dry our eyes and cause redness and irritation.

    3. Consider Computer Glasses

      Computer glasses are prescription eyewear that are specifically designed for computer work. They allow you to focus your eyes on the distance of a computer screen, which is generally farther away than reading material. Computer glasses optimize your eyesight when you’re looking at digital screens and help to reduce glare. We also hear glasses make you look smarter, so you can have Lasik, still look smarter and convince your boss you deserve that raise after all 😉

    4. Keep your Monitor Bright

      Contrary to popular belief, a brighter screen doesn’t hurt your eyes. It actually helps! This reduces the flicker rate of the computer and reduces fatigue. Flickering can lead to eye strain, eye fatigue and headaches. Also, a bright monitor causes your pupil to constrict, which results in a greater range of focus. This reduces the need for your eye to accommodate and enables you to work longer and with more comfort.

    5. Use Proper Lighting

      Use incandescent lighting and avoid high-intensity lamps, which cast shadows and create glare. Place a dim light on either side of your workstation to create equal brightness without dark, shadowed areas. A nice lamp, can also make your workspace look a little more stylish. Double bonus!

    6. Check Your Monitor’s Position

      The position of your computer monitor can add to your eyestrain. It is important that it be positioned at the proper distance away from your eyes. Optimally, your computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes. If you are having trouble seeing your monitor when it is positioned this far away, you might need to make a visit to King Lasik.

    7. Adjust Your Screen Resolution

      The excuse you’ve been looking for to ditch that tube monitor from 1985 is finally here. Most new monitors have a built-in high resolution. A higher resolution produces sharper type and crisper images, reducing eye strain.

    8. Minimize Glare

      Clean your monitor regularly to remove dust and consider installing an anti-glare screen. It also helps to keep shades drawn to prevent glare from outside sources. Maybe having an office with no windows, is a good thing!

    9. Try Massage or Eye Cupping

      Massaging the area around the eyes will help relax the muscles and can be very comforting. Rub your hands together to create friction and warmth, then gently cup your palms over your closed eyes and rest them…just don’t do it long enough or you might fall asleep.

    10. Take Your Vitamins

      Just like Mama always said, getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals is important for overall eye health. Opt for vitamins that contain antioxidants and ingredients that help improve the health of the eye and reduce eyestrain, such as vitamins A, C and E with a B complex and Zinc.

    11. DID WE SAY ONLY 10?? How could we leave this one out? Come in for a free consultation from King Lasik to see if you’re a candidate for Lasik. Poor vision can be a huge cause of eye strain.