As social distancing and remaining at home became completely necessary to flatten the curve, the coronavirus pandemic led to lockdowns across the globe. The boundaries between working hours and non-working hours began to blur when most workplaces were closed and people worked from home, so much that some people found themselves working for much longer than they were meant to.
Staring all day long at a computer screen, for a long period of time, certainly puts a strain on your eyes. Poor lighting, an improvement in visual requirements and inadequate blinking are all factors that lead to computer related eyestrain. In addition, many computer users also switch to smaller devices such as their phones, which just makes the pressure on your eyes much worse.
Here are tips to consider reducing or preventing eyestrain:
Taking breaks:
Taking breaks will not hurt you. Rest your eyes occasionally by looking away from the digital screen. Setting an alarm may be a helpful tool to remind you to take a break.
Implementing 20/20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Blinking or winking often:
When working on a screen, many people blink less than normal, which may lead to dry eyes. Tears that moisten and refresh your eyes are created by blinking. When staring at a screen, consider making it a habit to blink more frequently.
Eye rolling:
Rolling your eyes can do wonders for your eye muscles, particularly if you have been sitting for hours in front of a computer screen. It is easy to pick up: simply close your eyelids in circular movements and move your eyes around.
Visual Scanning:
Help your eyes scan for both close and far between objects. Stand back and observe the space in which you are in. At one end of the room, locate an object and start to scan the outline of every single item in the room.
Proper Posture:
The computer should be at an eye-level and you are seated properly.
Bigger Font Size:
Adjust the font to a comfortable font size.
Not Too Close:
Make sure your computers or phones are 18 to 24 inches away from your eyes.Screen Brightness:Adjust the screwen brightness to a comfortable level.
No Fans on Face:
Avoid direct wind from a fan or air-conditioner as this may also cause dry eyes.
Do not let your eyes get weak from too much screen time and get excessively stressed. When you are on the screen, take care of your eye health with these quick eye exercises. Due to the pandemic, computers are being used everywhere, both at school and at work. Escape some of the hazards that can result in the straining of the eyes with these quick and easy to do breaks.
Just like other muscles in your body, your eyes are muscles; they get sore when held in one place for too long.
Let us give our eye muscles a break and they’ll say thank you!
Reference:
https://ayoti.in/blog/eye-exercises-especially-for-people-who-work-on-computers/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403