The pandemic and its effects to our social and professional methods of communication only aggravated an all-too-common problem, eye strain. Symptoms of eye strain include dry or tired eyes, headache, and difficulty focusing. If left unchecked, eye strain can lead to more serious problems such as vision loss or even permanent damage to the eyes. Here are three ways you can reduce eye strain and protect your vision:
The 20-20-20 Rule
With our eyes locked on screens for extended periods of time, the 20-20-20 rule provides an opportunity for relief and rest. The 20-20-20 rule states that we should take a 20-second break to at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes. Doing so reduces eye strain by refocusing our eyes on something else.
Adjust Device Settings
Make sure that your devices are programmed to make reading easy for you. Feel free to enlarge the font size of texts, adjust contract and brightness of your screen, or position your screen at a comfortable distance and angle.
Consult Your Ophthalmologist
It can be difficult, almost impossible, to avoid screen time. Luckily, there are eye drops that can help reduce dryness and discomfort of eyes when using electronic devices. Consult your ophthalmologist to understand your options.