More than 50% of people working in front of computer screens for long hours suffer from computer vision syndrome. They tend to experience dryness, itchiness, and redness in their eyes: some experience blurry vision, headaches, and double vision. The key to healthy eyes is reducing your screen time, especially an hour or two before bed. However, some jobs demand long hours in front of a computer screen. If this is the case for you, here are tips you can use to keep your eyes healthy.
1. Take Screen Breaks
It is recommendable to take regular breaks from your screen. Short, frequent breaks will be more effective than infrequent long breaks. So instead of working for 3 hours then taking a 20-minute break, try taking a 5-minute break every hour. You can also implement the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes of working on your screen, use 20 seconds to look at an object 20 feet away from you. It has proved effective in relaxing the eye muscles. While on breaks, you can massage the muscles around your eyes. You can also make it a habit to wash your face constantly. Remember to avoid rubbing your eyes.
2. Eating Healthy
Green leafy vegetables such as kales and spinach are an excellent place to start. These vegetables contain zeaxanthin and lutein, which reduce the occurrences of eye diseases. The vitamin A in carrots and sweet potatoes also improves eye health. Fruits such as mangoes and bananas can also come in handy. They contain Vitamin C, which prevents eye diseases. If you are suffering from dry eyes, you might need to add Salmons and Tunas to your diet. They contain omega 3’s which aid in tear formation.
3. Avoid Placing Your Computer Too Close
Always place your computer 20 inches from you. Setting it too close to your eyes results in strained focus. Another great way of maintaining your eyes’ health is adjusting your computer settings. Ensure your screen is neither too bright nor too dim. You should constantly change the brightness to a level comfortable for your eyes. Long hours in front of a computer screen can hurt your eyes. While work is important, your health is more important. Thus, remember to take care of your eyes by eating healthy and taking frequent screen breaks. Also, ensure that you are not placing your computer screen too close to your eyes.