Have you ever spent an afternoon reading a book or working intensely on the computer and ended up with tired eyes? Do you feel the same after driving for a long time and doing close-up work for prolonged periods? 

If so, you are suffering from eyestrain, a condition that has become more common today due to the constant use of digital devices. According to several surveys, the average American adult takes about seven hours in front of a digital screen daily. You can prevent the onset of this condition by taking the following tips.

Adjust the Lighting

When reading a book in your room or study, experts recommend positioning the light behind you and focusing it on the book. This is an excellent strategy because it takes the light from your eyes and makes your book more visible. Shaded lights are an excellent option when reading at your desk because the shade will keep the light out of your eyes. 

Take Breaks

When doing any close-up work, make it a habit to take breaks and let your eyes rest. To do this, follow the 20-20-20 rule, especially when using your computer. It states that you should look away for twenty seconds after every twenty minutes at something at least twenty feet away. 

Limit Your Screen Time

Digital screens are more likely to cause eyestrain than other tasks; accordingly, limiting your screen time is a great strategy. It is also an excellent way to ensure children do not suffer from the consequences of eyestrain. 

Artificial Tears

A common symptom of eyestrain, especially from using digital screens for prolonged periods, is dry eyes. Dry eyes make your eyes feel irritated, watery, and red and may even cause blurry vision. You can visit your eye doctor for a diagnosis to determine whether something else is causing your dry eye. If it is just an eyestrain, you could use artificial tears to moisturize your eye surface. 

Improve Air Quality

Another way to deal with dry eye related to eyestrain is by improving the environment you are working in. You can minimize the amount of air blowing in through the aircon. This will help limit the amount of tears you lose through evaporation. If you cannot control the air blowing in, consider getting a humidifier to increase the air's moisture. 

Tips When Working on a Computer

• Blink More 

When working on a computer or doing any close-up work where the task has a bright light, you are likely to blink less so you can concentrate on what you are looking at. A low blink rate is one of the leading causes of eyestrain. Blinking helps keep your eye surface moisturized and refreshed as your eyelids spread a new layer of tears. 

• Adjust Your Computer Monitor

The position of your computer monitor may also be causing your dry eye to be worse, and you can quickly fix this. Your monitor should be about an arm's length away, and the elevation should be below your eye level. In this position, the screen is best placed to limit the effect of the blue light on the eyes, and you are less likely to hunch over to use the computer.

For more eyestrain prevention tips, call Coastal Vision at our offices in Chino, Irvine, Long Beach, or Orange, California. Call (888) 501-4496 to schedule a visit.