Do you know?

A person averages around 6 hours and 58 minutes of screen time per day.

Gen Z averages around 9 hours of screen time per day.

And, the most shocking one, around 49% of infants (0-2 years) interact with smartphones.

Our generation is at the point where it seems like we can’t even imagine living without screens, right?

Well, we are constantly staring at screens of all sizes, be it mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or TVs. There’s no denying that screens have now become a huge part of our lives, there’s also no denying that they can take a toll on our eyes.

Of course, we know that staring at the screen for too long can lead to a headache or make our eyes feel drained and stressed.

But did you know that too much screen time can actually lead to permanent changes in our eyesight?

Yes, that’s true!

Now, you might be wondering how more screen time impacts our eyes.

Let’s dive deep into the details.

Here’s a scenario: When we stare at the screen, we tend to blink less. And, when we don’t blink enough, our eyes can’t stay properly lubricated. Agree?

Now, this can lead to dry eye syndrome, which is quite uncomfortable. But this is not the end here. Too much screen time can cause various issues like computer vision syndrome or CVS.

CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome), also known as Digital Eye Strain, is a vision-related issue or an eye problem caused due to the long screen time. It includes various symptoms like fatigue, headaches, neck and back pain, and even blurry vision.

So, what’s the solution? How can you make sure to take care of your eyes without giving up on the screen altogether?  Or, what can you do to take care of your eyes while working on a computer?

Here are some tips to help you keep your eyes healthy while working on a computer:

Use the 20-20-20 rule.

Take breaks often. When working on screen all day, it is important to take short breaks and look away from the screen in between.

As per the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and try to look at an object 20 feet away. Blink often. People blink less often when they stare at a computer screen. Try to blink every 3 to 4 seconds.

Looking away from the screen for a minute or two helps to reduce eye strain.

Sit properly

The next thing you need to do is to make sure that you’re sitting in a comfortable position. Your back should be straight and your feet should be flat on the floor. If you’re not comfortable, you’re likely to strain your eyes.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, but it’s also crucial for keeping your eyes healthy. Dry eyes are a common problem for people who work on computers, so drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your eyes lubricated.

Adjust your lighting

The glare from a computer screen can lead to issues like eye fatigue. So, it is better to reduce the glare. You can do this by using a matte screen filter or adjusting the position of your monitor. If you wear glasses, you can try using anti-reflective lenses. Use a comfortable computer display setting. Adjust a few things on screen like the brightness, contrast, and text size. If your eyes feel dried out, use the “eye-care” or “night-view” setting on your monitor.

Adjust your screen

Make sure the screen is at eye level and that the text is large enough to read without strain. Also, adjust the brightness and contrast settings to find a comfortable level for your eyes.

Your monitor should be about 4-5 inches below your eye level and about 20-28 inches from your face.

Blink more often

This may sound silly, but it’s important! For example, when you stare at the screen, you tend to blink less, right? Now, this situation can ultimately lead to dry eyes. So, it is important to make constant efforts to blink more often, especially when you’re working on a computer.

Use artificial tears

If you are prone to dry eyes, use artificial tears to help keep your eyes lubricated.

Go for the regular eye checkup.

Get your eyes checked regularly to ensure they are healthy and to prevent any problems by early detection.

Also, make sure to see your eye doctor, if you’re having any vision problems or eye discomfort. Go for regular eye checkup to rule out any serious issues.

Final words

Following these tips can help you keep your eyes healthy while you work on a computer. But if you find that you’re still having problems, it’s important to see an eye doctor to find out if there’s a bigger issue and cure it properly.