We know how usage of digital devices such as computers, laptops, and ipads, have become an integral part of our lives. Not just personal, our professional lives also depend significantly on digital devices. Though it may have increased the convenience in life. Often, while working on a digital device, you may experience tired, achy, itchy, watery or dry eyes. And, that’s when we realize that we’ve been straining out for long hours in a single stretch. Keeping the screen too bright and sitting under dim light conditions add to the harm on our sensitive eyes. Thus, it’s essential for not just working professionals but everyone to be inclined toward taking care of your eyes and keeping them safe from harm. Because we are living in the digital era, where no one is untouched by digital devices or screens.

Initially, it may not seem to create any vision or eye related problems. But in the long run, not paying enough attention to eye care may lead to problems. Difficulty in keeping eyes open, trouble in focusing, increased light sensitivity, headache, and eye pain are among the common signs that you need better vision care. So, if you’re looking for eye care tips, you have landed at just the right place for you.

Following are some simple yet effective ways to take care of your eyes

• Manage your device accordingly- Adjust screen brightness, text size, colour temperature and contrast in a way that is comforting for eyes. Lowering the colour temperature (choosing orange or red hues than blues) reduces the harmful effects of blue light on eyes and offers better comfort. And, position the screen atleast 20 inches (51 cm) away from eyes. This is the first and foremost tip to maintain good ocular health.

• Take frequent eye breaks- Long hours of continuous screen work can be more harmful than you may realize. Follow the 20-20-20 rule to prevent your dry eyes and straining. While working on screen, every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink repeatedly. Doing so helps in lubricating the eyes and preventing eye problems.

• Wear computer glasses: Excessive exposure to digital screens emitting blue light can also increase eye power. Thus, it’s better to wear glasses for computer work. It limits the amount of blue light reaching the eyes. Wearing computer glasses regularly aids in preventing or slowing the progression in eye power due to computer screens, smartphones, etc.

• Use lubricating eye drops: Lubricant eye drops help with both eye fatigue and dryness. These eye drops help eye muscles relax and also help with redness and burning sensation. However, consult an eye specialist and do not use any random eye drop without asking them.

• Avoid reflections and glare: Keep your screen in a way that windows are not behind or in front, but preferably at the sides. Maintain optimum in the room by using fluorescent lights or low intensity bulb which do not strain eyes too much.

• Eat foods that boost eye health: Increase the consumption of foods enriched with Vitamin A, C, E along with Omega-3 fatty acids. Such foods are beneficial for vision care and overall ocular health. Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruit, etc), oily fish, nuts and more effective for eye care. These not just promote good vision but also prevent eye diseases or disorders.

• Avoid digital devices before sleep: This is one of the most crucial yet neglected eye care tips for computer users. Blue light from digital devices not only affects the retina in the long-term but also disturbs the production of a sleep cycle regulating hormone called melatonin.

Do not ignore the symptoms of ‘too much’ screen time!

Don’t take risks when it comes to eye health. Not just eyes, excessive screen time can have bad effects on overall health, both physical and mental, which include:

• Poor sleep quality: Increased blue light exposure, especially during night disturbs the sleep cycle or circadian rhythm. Also, staying up and alert like this may cause our bodies to stress a hormone called cortisol. Scrolling through mails, social media, inboxes during odd hours can make the sleep quality even more. Not getting enough sleep consistently can also affect memory, reduce attention span, lower energy levels, and more.

• Weight gain – Screen time is a major contributor to sedentary lifestyle, leading to weight gain. Inactive lifestyle can also increase the risk of systemic diseases

• Short-term vision problem and irritation: Working late nights or pulling nighters to complete reports and presentations may not be ideal for your eyes. And doing so quite frequently is all the more problematic. It is concerning if you experience blurry vision, headaches, and light sensitivity. These can be the early signs of computer vision syndrome which affects about 75% of people who work on computers and laptops.

See an eye specialist for help, visit Centre For Sight

Don’t delay getting an eye checkup if you experience blurred vision, headache, etc.Taking care of your eyes is necessary to let yourself enjoy this beautiful life. Reach out to us to consult experienced eye specialists. At Centre For Sight, we believe that every eye deserves the best. This motto enables us to extend the best-in-class eye care to all our patients. Based on thorough diagnosis, our doctors recommend additional eye health tips as well. Our commitment to your healthy vision propels us in making sure that you get advanced eye care without facing any hassle. To book an appointment, visit https://www.centreforsight.net/

And, keep following the general tips for eye care!