Do you find that your eyes hurt at the end of each day? Well, when you stop to think about just how hard they have to work and focus throughout the day, it’s really not surprising. The average person engages with their smart device about 2,617 times a day, with a grand total of approximately one million times per year. And from using your smart device, to staring at your computer screen at work, and even enduring those glaring rays from the sun as you make your way home during rush hour traffic – that’s a whole lot of strain for our eyes to endure! But with some better practices, you can help minimize that strain and soreness. Here are some simple ways to help reduce eye strain throughout the day.
Computers
Although it may not seem like a big deal, the amount of time that your eyes have to stay focused, gazing at a screen can really make them suffer. Spending several hours a day with your eyes glued to a screen is what has made Computer Eye Syndrome so prevalent these days. In fact, studies have proven that as many as 90 percent of computer works suffer from this. Effects can be felt in the form of headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, sore eyes, along with neck and shoulders aches.
So how can you reduce this? First of all, take frequent breaks so that your eyes can take a break. This is the most important step for helping to reduce sore eyes. Try to form a habit of turning away from the screen every 20 minutes to look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is referred to as the 20-20-20 rule that can give your eyes the reprieve they need.
Smart Devices
Similar to your computer screen, it’s important to take regular breaks from your phone. And when you are using it, try to adjust the way that you view the screen. For example, you can dim the screen to reduce the strain and glare on your eyes. Also, hold your phone far enough away from your face and high enough so that you aren’t straining both your eyes and neck.
Sun Glare
Technology aside – stepping outside during the glaring sun can also weigh heavily on your eyes. When it’s time to step outside for a lunch break, or to head home for the day, don’t force your eyes to suffer after all of the hard work they’ve done staring at your computer and mobile screen. Always wear sunglasses that have adequate UV ray protection to shield them from intense glares.
Between the technology and the sun – our eyes have a lot to endure to keep up with our day-to-day lives. In order to prevent them from suffering and developing symptoms of strain, try to incorporate some of these better practices so that they can stay sharp, focused, and pain-free.