Most people, myself included, spend a considerable amount of time in front of digital devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones without protective glasses. Unfortunately, they are simply unaware of the harmful effects that these digital devices have on the eyes. Those who are aware don’t seem know that there are easy ways to protect their eyes. If you want to protect your eyes, below are some easy tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine without throwing away your digital devices.
1. Exercise your eyes
If you keep your eyes glued to a digital device without blinking or flexing them a bit, they will get accustomed to that device distance. You will experience problems when trying to focus on anything farther or closer to the device. You should try to move your eyes around more, changing their position or flexing them every 20 minutes or less.
2. Sit a few inches away from your digital device
Optometrists recommend that you sit at least an arm’s length away from your digital screen. If you are working on a desktop computer, you will need to position it properly to reach the base of your fingers when your arm is extended fully.
3. Expose your eyes to the daylight
Go out for a nature walk after you have spent some time in front of a screen. Daylight will help to adjust your natural circadian rhythms and reconnect your eyes with nature, thus improving your mood and sleep.
4. Adjust your screen lighting
Your screen lights should be adjusted in relation to your environment. If you are in a brightly lit room, you will need to increase your screen’s brightness setting. If you are working in a dim room, you will need to decrease your screen’s light settings.
5. Reduce glare from your device screen
There are several ways you can do this, such as keeping the screen clean, sitting away from open windows, using lower voltage bulbs, or blocking the incoming rays or flashes.
6. Ask your doctor to recommend specialized glasses
Your doctor may recommend you use specialized glasses to reduce glare and eyestrain from your digital device. These glasses will help protect your eyes from harmful glare whenever you use them. Keep in mind that reading glasses don’t protect your eyes from this glare.
7. Protect your eyes with your diet
A good diet prevents the eyes from getting sick or treats eyes that have been affected by the harmful effects of digital devices. Foods that contain plenty of vitamin C, vitamin A, Zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids improve eye vision and the performance of the nerves.
8. Position your screen 5 inches below your eye level
This will ensures that a greater percentage of your eyeballs are protected by your eyelids, since your eyes are opened at a smaller angle.
9. Take regular breaks
Eye experts recommend that for every two hours that you are glued to a digital device, you should take a break for 15 to 20 minutes. During the breaks, you should allow your eyes to blink, rest, and re-lubricate. Taking regular breaks will protect not only your eyes but also your general health.
10. Limit your digital device use
In fact, limiting the time you are seated in front of a digital device and using protective glasses are the two most effective ways of minimizing the harmful effects of your digital screens. If you are unable to reduce use, at least cut back before bedtime.
Never let an eye problem be a hindrance to your work or fun if you are a regular user of digital devices. By following the above tips, you will help protect your eyes from the problems brought about by digital devices.
Featured photo credit: eyes/Ahmed Sinan via flic.kr
