Q: I spend a lot of time on screens for work and school. How can I protect my eyes and avoid digital eye strain?
A: Spending hours on computers, tablets and phones can definitely take a toll on your eyes. One of the easiest ways to reduce strain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a chance to relax.
Make sure your workspace is set up comfortably. Keep your screen about an arm’s length away and position it so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. Adjust the brightness and contrast to match the lighting in the room and reduce glare with an anti-reflective screen or proper positioning.
Blinking often is also important. When we focus on screens, we tend to blink less, which can lead to dry eyes. If you notice dryness, using lubricating eye drops can help. Taking short breaks, stretching, and even standing up occasionally can reduce overall fatigue.
If you wear glasses, consider lenses designed for computer use or lenses with a slight blue light filter. While research is still ongoing about the benefits of blue light lenses, many people find them comfortable for long screen sessions.