It’s that time of year for shopping online or by phone, studying for finals or binging on your favorite holiday movies. All that time looking at a screen can cause your eyes to feel dry and tired.
Use the 20/20/20 rule to give your eyes a break during long periods of close up screen work. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen about 20 feet, for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
This quick and easy break can help you avoid blurry vision, fatigue or eye strain. While these issues won’t cause permanent eye damage, they are irritating and can be avoided. Studies show that we blink only half or as much as a third less when we’re using computers and other digital screen devices. We should be blinking 15 times a minute.
Cold and dry winter air doesn’t help our eyes stay hydrated. Artificial tears can refresh your eyes when they feel dry. You can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home. Try adjusting your screen lighting to match the surrounding light brightness to keep your eyes from working overtime. If you wear contacts, give your eyes a break and wear glasses more often.
The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
