Computer Eye Strain: Prevention Tips And Quick Remedies

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Computer eye strain - who doesn't t have it these days, right?

There is no doubt that most of us spend a significant amount of time looking at our phones, tablets, computer monitors, and televisions. After all, modern jobs require us to look at screens for extended periods of time.

This condition, also known as computer vision syndrome, causes eye fatigue, dry eyes, and headaches among other symptoms.

It is important to note that eye strain is a common occurrence. It is becoming more common in today's digital age.

Eye strain caused by the use of digital devices such as computers, phones, and tablets is known as computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain [1].

Why Do Screens Cause Eyestrain?

We normally blink between 15-20 times per minute to spread tears evenly over our eyes, preventing them from becoming dry and irritated. However, it has been found that people blink less frequently on a screen when reading, watching, or playing.

You may also be adversely affected by the contrast between text and the background, the glare, and flickering of digital screens [2].

Generally, eye strain can be treated with simple, non-invasive methods.

The following are some quick tips for preventing eye strain caused by computer use and how to treat it.

Computer Eye Strain: Quick Remedies

Here are some effective and quick tips you can use to ease the signs of computer eye strain:

1. Use artificial tears

Use artificial tears even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated and prevent recurrence of symptoms. Your healthcare provider can recommend which eye-drops would be best suited to your specific needs [3].

Using eye drops that contain no preservatives as often as necessary is fine. If the drops contain preservatives, don't use them more than four times a day.

Avoid eye drops that contain a redness remover, as these may aggravate dry eye symptoms.

2. Take breaks

Whenever you are working close to a digital display, take occasional breaks and look away from it to rest your eyes.

3. Warm compress

Using a warm compress after staring at a computer screen or reading a book can relax your eye muscles and relieve dry eyes.

This method involves dipping a soft, clean cloth into warm water and lying down [4]. Place the warm cloth over your eyelids and take deep, relaxing breaths for a minute. Repeat this at least three times.

4. Eye massage

Using clean fingers, massage the eyelids, the muscles above the eyebrows, the under-eyes, and the temples. This will increase blood circulation to the eyes and relieve eye strain at the same time.

A few drops of olive oil, aloe vera gel, or eye cream can be used to make the massage more relaxing.

5. Sunbathing

Computer eye strain can be relieved by sunbathing [5].

Do this without your glasses or contact lenses by standing in front of a window or a place that receives ample sunlight. Close your eyes and allow the sunlight to warm your eyelids. In young children, sunlight assists in the release of dopamine from the retina, which assists in the healthy development of the eyes and prevents myopia.

It is important not to stare directly at the sun.

6. Aloe vera

In order to relieve puffiness and increase blood circulation around the eye area, apply cool aloe vera gel to the strained eyes or eyelids for a minimum of 10 minutes. Besides the natural healing and soothing properties of aloe vera, you can also use it as a lotion to massage your eyes [6].

How To Prevent Computer Eye Strain?

Making a few changes to the way you use electronic devices can make it easier on your eyes.

• If you are using a computer, make sure the screen is about 25 inches away from your face, about an arm's length away. The screen's centre should be about 10-15 degrees below eye level.
• Use a matte screen filter to reduce glare on all types of computers, phones, and tablets.

• Consider following the 20-20-20 rule: look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
• Every two hours, take a long break of about 15 minutes.
• If you frequently use a computer or other device in a room, consider installing a humidifier in that area.
• Devices should not be brighter than their surroundings in a room.
• Consider having a regular eye examination. When working on a computer, you may need to wear a different pair of glasses.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.