Avoid Computer Eye Strain

What is CES?

The vast majority of us spend large parts of our day staring at a computer screen. Truth be told if you are reading this right now there is a very good chance you too are looking at a computer screen. But does all that looking at a screen do significant damage to your eyes? According to the most recent studies, it does not do any significant damage to our eyes. However, according to some researchers, it may increase your chances of becoming marginally more short-sighted. Those same studies also indicate the same could be said for any work done close to the face, even copious amounts of reading. The question then becomes, is there anything you can do to guard yourself against these effects? The answer is a resounding yes!

Tips to Combat CES

First and foremost, you can make sure to take frequent breaks from the object of your focus. Be that a computer screen, tablet, smartphone or book. While not always practical during the work day, you still have a great many hours at home to relax your eyes from the stress of constantly staring at a single object for hours on end. This may mean you have to forego binge-watching your favourite show on Netflix. Fear not, this would be the perfect time to meet with friends or family for a good old fashion board game night, go out for a walk (your scale with thank you for it), or even go for a drive (since you must look further ahead than the windscreen).

Second, consider getting a pair of computer glasses. These glasses have an anti-reflective coating on them that proves to be better than regular glasses. For information on these glasses, we have found a great place to pick them up at Eyewear Publishing. They are fast, friendly and reliable. Anyhow, the anti-glare treatment in the computer glasses reduces eyestrain and even provides a slight magnification that keeps you from squinting at a smaller text on the screen.

Finally, you want to make sure the lighting is good, but not too good. While it is true that a person aged 60+ needs 3 times more light than a person of 20-years old, you still do not want to overdo it. If you have too much light, it will have the opposite effect you are trying to achieve. The screen you are looking at, be it a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone, will start to have a glare to it and increase your eyestrain. In addition to the right amount of light on your screen, you need to adjust said screen, so the contrast makes it easier to read for your lighting conditions. While you cannot automatically set that on your computer screen, most modern smartphones and tablets come with a setting to have the screen adjust automatically to the lighting conditions. Some even have a night mode that softens the contrast even more.

In short, just like with anything else you value, take care of it and it will take care of you. Remember to have annual checkups.