/assets/docs/442641.png)
/assets/docs/442638.png)
/assets/docs/442639.png)
5 Health Benefits of Wearing Prescription Sunglasses
Prescription eyeglasses restore clear vision, but prescription sunglasses can do even more. Read on to learn about five health benefits of wearing prescription sunglasses.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Digital Strain
It’s no secret that screens are everywhere, from computers and smartphones to tablets and TVs. While these devices help us stay connected and productive, they can also cause digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome.
This condition can lead to headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and even neck or shoulder discomfort after prolonged screen time.
The good news? With a few simple habits, you can help protect your eyes (and your kids’ eyes!) and keep them feeling comfortable.
Below, our experts at Maryland Eye Care Center discuss six ways you can protect your eyes from digital strain.
1. Give your eyes a break
When you work on a computer or watch a riveting movie, you might not think about taking a screen break, but your eyes need a rest.
You can use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something (like a picture frame or curtain) at least 20 feet away. That gives your eyes a much-needed rest and helps reduce fatigue.
2. Adjust your screen
Make sure your computer screen is about arm’s length (20–24 inches) from your eyes and slightly below eye level. Positioning your monitor correctly helps reduce neck and shoulder strain while also minimizing glare.
This ergonomic setup also helps alleviate neck strain. Tilting your head down to look at a screen — including phones, tablets, or even a laptop that’s on your lap — can add 60 pounds of pressure on your neck.
3. Use proper lighting
Bright overhead lighting or glare from windows can make it hard for your eyes to focus. Adjust your workspace lighting so the brightness of your screen matches the surrounding environment. If needed, use blinds or an anti-glare screen filter.
4. Blink more often
You normally don’t have to tell your body to blink, but when you concentrate on a screen, you tend to blink less, which can cause dry, irritated eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly.
Also, keep artificial tears handy if your eyes feel dry. We recommend Oasis Tears®.
5. Use blue light protection
Blue light from digital devices may contribute to eye strain and affect sleep quality. Bright screens at night can suppress melatonin twice as long as other lights.
The solution? Special computer glasses or lenses with blue light filtering can help reduce glare and improve comfort during long screen sessions.
Some devices have a night mode setting that switches your screen from blue to amber-colored tones. That’s particularly helpful if you enjoy reading e-books on tablets before bed.
6. Schedule regular eye exams
Digital devices aren’t going anywhere, but eye strain doesn’t have to be part of your daily life.
Our team can help you manage digital eye strain for your whole family. During your appointment, we can check for signs of digital strain, update your prescription, and recommend strategies or eyewear right for you.
Take care of your eyes in the digital age
Ready for your next eye exam? Schedule an appointment by phone or online today with Maryland Eye Care Center in Hyattsville or Silver Spring, Maryland.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Do Vitamin Supplements Help Glaucoma?
If you have glaucoma or are trying to prevent it, you may wonder about the role of vitamin supplements. Read on to learn which vitamins support eye health and if supplements can help.
What to Expect Before, During, and After LASIK
Are you considering LASIK but unsure what to expect? We’ve got you covered! Read on to learn what you can expect before, during, and after this procedure.
Contact Lenses vs. Glasses: Pros and Cons
Contact lenses and glasses help you see clearly, but which is right for you? It depends! Read on as our team shares the top pros and cons for each.
3 Ways Morpheus8 Can Turn Back the Clock on Your Appearance
Not happy with fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes? Morpheus8 — a nonsurgical treatment that combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy — can turn back the hands of time. Here’s how it can boost your appearance.
What Can Cause Double Vision?
If you’re experiencing double vision, it’s natural to wonder what’s causing it and — more importantly — how to fix it. Read on to learn six causes of double vision and how our team can help correct it.