Our eyes play a critical role in how we perceive the world around us. We use them to receive images, absorb information and interpret data. In short, they’re an essential part of our daily lives. To maintain your visual health, here are some healthy eye care habits you can practice at work and at home.
Spending too much time on digital devices like computers, smart phones or tablets can cause digital eye strain, which leads to symptoms like dry eyes, itchiness, discomfort and blurry vision. The condition can also cause difficulty focusing and headaches.
The best thing to do when you experience the signs of eye strain is to set your computer screen and cellphone to a non-eye straining light level. Look away from the screen once in a while to give your eyes some time to refocus and rest.
Have Regular Eye Appointments
It’s also important to undergo regular eye exams with an optometrist. During your exam, your eye doctor will assess your visual acuity and look for signs of underlying eye problems. Identifying eye conditions in their early stages allows for prompt treatment and better results.
Rest Your Eyes for 20 Seconds After 20 Minutes
Eyeglasses and specialized computer screens help reduce digital strain, but they won’t get rid of it completely. Another habit you should develop when working on digital devices is to rest your eyes for 20 seconds after twenty minutes spent in front of a screen – we call this the 20-20 rule. Doing so helps the muscles inside your eyes relax, reducing the risk of eye strain. You can either keep your eyes closed during this resting period or look at an object about 20 feet away.
Call your eye doctor to schedule a consultation at (208) 514-1858. Six One Six Vision Center can help you reach your full potential both with your family and with your career. We serve patients in Boise and Eagle, ID.