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Help for Digital Eye Strain

Posted on by Paula Gallagher

digital eye strain - meow!

With more people working from home and kids home from school, now more than ever we are in front of some sort of screen for a good part of the day. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning until the time we close them at night, we’re glued to our smartphones, tablets, televisions, computer screens, or other digital devices. In fact, according to a Nielsen report published in March 2019, US adults spent an average of 10.5 hours per day in 2018 interacting with digital media on an increasing number of different platforms. I bet the numbers are even higher now.

One problem that comes with being on a screen for so long is the risk of digital eye strain, clinically known as computer vision syndrome. Think about your screen time: do you spend more than 2 hours a day on social media, surfing the web, online gaming... and now, working remotely? If so, your eyes may need some extra attention.

When we focus on a digital screen for long periods, we generally don’t blink as often as we should. As a result, the eyes tend to dry out. Research shows that between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms. And it isn't just adults, kids who game or stay at tablets can also experience issues.

Symptoms of computer vision syndrome include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Dry, red eyes
  • Eye irritation
  • Headaches
  • Neck or back pain
  • Eye SOS

So what can you do to help?

Cut the glare

You can add a glare filter to your screen to help reduce eye strain. Special glasses with an anti-glare coating on top can also be worn to reduce digital eye strain.

Give your eyes a break

Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so and look at something around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Blink often to keep your eyes moist. If they feel dry, try some eye drops.

Eye drops

Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops will help keep the surface of your eyes moist. Homeopathic eye drops are a good way to add moisture to your eyes. Avoid preservatives and phosphates, which may make dry eyes worse. Some people are allergic to preservatives, and others may find that they irritate their eyes.

Essential fatty acids

Nordic Naturals ProDHA Eye contains a synergistic blend of purified fish oil, providing an exceptionally high concentration of DHA in combination with the important eye nutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin. ProDHA Eye supports healthy vision and moisture levels with added antioxidants to aid in protecting the eyes from age-related oxidative damage.

Photo from here, with thanks.

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