The vast majority of people in Singapore spend all day staring at a computer screen at work and then returning home to while their free time away by staring at their phones. It's no surprise that digital eye strain is such a problem here.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have digital eye strain:
● Dry eyes
● Migraines
● Blurry vision
● Eye fatigue
● Reddened eyes
● Twitching eyes
● Neck and shoulder pain
Research has shown that more than half of the people who work at a computer suffer from computer eye strain.
But this doesn't have to be the norm. Here are some steps you can take to prevent it:
1. Utilize good lighting
Eye strain used to be mainly caused by lights that were too bright coming from the outside or harsh lighting inside. Now, if you want to prevent eye strain when you use a computer, you have to ensure that the lighting is only half as bright as the lights used in office spaces.
Reduce light from the outside by closing your curtains. For light from the inside, just switch on fewer lights or invest in lights that aren't as high in intensity. You can also change the position of your computer, so the windows are facing its side, not the front or back.
If you can manage it, avoid using your computer under fluorescent lights. Indirect, softer lighting is optimal for preventing eye strain.
2. Get a thorough eye check-up
A regular eye check-up is of the utmost importance if you want to prevent any sort of vision problem. When you're getting your eyes checked, inform the technician of how much screentime you use on a daily basis.
Check how far away you are from your computer and pass that information on to the optometrist so they can test your eyes from that specified distance.
3. Take more breaks
To prevent digital eye strain and its symptoms, take many small breaks from looking at your screen during the work day. These breaks should last 10 minutes and take place every hour or so. While on these breaks, you have to move around and stretch to release some of the tension in your body.
4. Adjust the settings on your computer
Adjusting your computer in the following ways can help fight off digital strain:
Text size: Make your text size more prominent and increase the contrast for good measure. You can't go wrong with a black print on a white background. This is especially helpful when typing or reading huge documents.
Brightness: Ensure that the display is of the same brightness as the rest of your surroundings. A white page should not be bright enough to be a source of light in your room. If the page is too dark, it can also be too much of an effort to read.
Conclusion
Digital eye strain is way too common in today's world. There is a tendency to ignore these symptoms because it feels like part and parcel of the life of a working professional. This is simply not true. Anything that can threaten the quality of your life should be adjusted accordingly when it's within our power to do so.
Follow these tips for healthier eyes and a more painless work day. You can also visit The Eyes Inc., the one-stop solution for all your vision-related needs, for treatment for eye strain in Singapore. Contact us today to learn more!