A study earlier this year from the American Academy of Optometry found
that working for just two hours on a laptop caused a significant increase in
eye pain and vision problems. So even though 70% of people surveyed by the Vision Council
refused to admit that their screen time might be messing with their eyes, those
of us who spend 8-plus hour workdays in front of computers, or who catch up on
our reading on tablets, or who are constantly checking our email on
smartphones, have got to be feeling the strain. If you work under such
conditions do keep this in mind:
·
Reduce glare by
cleaning your screen and making sure it's the most brightly glowing thing in
the room. Try not to use your smartphone in direct sunlight. Also, grey
backgrounds are easier on your eyes than white.
- Sit an arm's length away from your computer screen. They recommend the "high-five test": if you can't properly high-five your computer screen (full arm extension is key, people!), you're sitting too close. The screen shouldn't be tilted, and should be positioned right below eye level.
- "Remind yourself to blink." Screens have a way of making you forget to do that.
- Take what they call a "20-20-20 break": Every 20 minutes, give yourself 20 seconds to check out what's going on 20 feet away from you.
- Consider buying a pair of glasses made specifically for computer use. If you think you can pull them off.
- Look far away at an object for 10-15 seconds, then gaze at something up close for 10-15 seconds. Then look back at the distant object. Do this 10 times. This exercise reduces the risk of your eyes’ focusing ability to “lock up” (a condition called accommodative spasm) after prolonged computer work.
- Relax your
eyes and nervous system with palming, a yogic technique said to preserve
eye health. Rub your hands together vigorously. Once your palms are hot
from the friction, gently cup them over your eyes, overlapping your
fingers on your forehead. Do not press on the eyes. Breathe deeply and
relax for at least 30 seconds. You’ll feel refreshed after doing this
exercise for even a short time.