Most people are spending a lot of time working on their computers and staring at screens all day long. From the laptops to the tablets and phones, your eyes are constantly exposed to screens. On average, you can spend eight and a half hours in front of a screen. Unfortunately, such constant exposure leads to a condition known as computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain. This syndrome is a collection of eye and vision problems arising from prolonged use of computers and other devices.

When you look at screens for extended periods of time, you are likely to have eye discomfort and vision problems. As you continue to increase the digital screen time, the level of discomfort appears to grow.

Your eyes need a break when you notice any of these signs:

• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Neck, back and shoulder pain
• Light sensitivity
• Irritated eyes

When to rest your eyes from screens

You need to rest your eyes at least every hour after working on a screen. You can take a two-minute stretch to help reduce the stress. It will even give you more energy and help you with mental focus, clarity and efficiency.

How to rest your eyes from screens and reading

It is impossible to say that we can do without screens because in today’s day and age, we cannot do without technology. Technology is part of life today. What you can do best for your eyes is to try and rest them after some time. you can try using the 20/20/20 rue which states that after working on your computer for 20 minutes, you should look at a point about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This prevents eyestrain.

Other ways to rest your eyes include:

• Adjusting your computer set up so that the monitor is 25 inches away from you. Also adjust your monitor and seat height so that you look slightly down at the screen
• Ensure that the brightness of the room you are working in matches that of the screen. You can even use an anti-glare sometimes and keep it clean.
• There should be no difference between the background and text. Adjust the screen’s contrast.
• When your eyes feel sore and tired, close your eyelids and cover them with a warm washcloth.
• Use lubricating eye drops in order to relieve your eyes of fatigue and possible pain.
• Minimize the glare that is reflecting off walls and finished surfaces and reflections on your computer screen which can cause eye strain
• Blink frequently to moisten your eyes and prevent dryness and irritation
• If you wear glasses or contacts make sure you are wearing them as you work on your computer. You can also decide to get special glasses for computer use.

Generally, it is good to limit the amount of time you spend in front of screens. Don’t stare at a screen all day. Take breaks for your eyes to rest. This will have a dramatic impact on the symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

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