Tips for Protecting Your Eyes from Strain

Your eyes are the unsung heroes of your daily life. They tirelessly relay vital information to your brain from the moment you wake up until you close your eyes to sleep. 

In today’s modern work and leisure environments, where screens and digitization are abundant, the threat to your visual acuity is higher than ever. 

The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent the problem. And when you need professional help, you’ve got an excellent partner and resource in Vision Corner. Dr. Sophia Barnes is an experienced optometrist with a reputation for unsurpassed patient care. 

Our small, private practice enables us to devote as much time and energy as needed during each appointment. So we can discuss major and minor issues. Eye strain often gets overlooked during routine eye exams, but not at Vision Corner. 

We take eye strain seriously, and so should you. Here’s Dr. Barnes’ practical guide to safeguarding your eye against the perils of digital eye strain.

Understanding eye strain 

Eye strain — also known as asthenopia, visual fatigue, or computer vision syndrome — is a common condition characterized by tired, overworked eyes, often provoked by extensive screen time, reading, or intricate visual activities such as sewing. 

You may recognize the telltale signs: dryness, blurriness, light sensitivity, or even head, neck, and back aches.

Anyone can suffer from eye strain, and an estimated two out of three people in the United States report symptoms linked to excessive digital usage. If you squint at your screen or frequently rub your eyes, it’s time to take action and learn how to prevent the problem.

Eye strain causes

Eye strain can be traced to any task that requires prolonged eye focus without sufficient eye rest. Common culprits include daily drives, reading marathons, or the unyielding gaze at digital screens. 

Reduced blinking while using screens is a significant contributor, leading to dry eyes and exacerbating the problem.

Practical eye strain prevention tips

If you situate your environment and schedule your day with your eyes in mind, preventing eye strain is a breeze.

Ergonomics and workplace calibration

Your environment directly influences your eye health. Adjust your chair height, screen distance, and seating posture to create a workspace that supports comfortable vision. Correct ergonomics not only protect your back but can also alleviate the visual tension built up during Zoom meetings or coding marathons.

The 20-20-20 principle

Whenever your work or fun requires prolonged screen time, employ the 20-20-20 protocol. For every 20 minutes of screen focus, give your eyes a 20-second break by looking at something 20 feet away. This simple practice helps your eye muscles relax.

Good lighting

Light can either help or harm your eyes. Strive for a softly lit environment with ample but not overly intense light sources. When using digital devices, anti-glare screens or adjustable screen brightness are easier on your eyes and help you prevent eye strain.

Rest and exercise

The first line of defense against eye strain is scheduling regular breaks to rest your eyes. We mentioned the 20-20-20 rule, but you can go beyond that formula for even better eye health.

Blink more often, even if you have to set an alarm to remind you. Engage in simple eye exercises, like rolling your eyes in a circular motion, to invigorate those tired orbs and keep them sharp.

Nourish your eyes 

Your diet can substantially impact your visual resilience. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins like A and C are eye-friendly and can reduce the risk of dry eyes. Adopting a balanced diet and staying well-hydrated not only nourish your overall health but can also keep your eyes twinkling.

When to seek professional help for eye strain

While most cases of eye strain are transient and can be managed with the above tips, sometimes a more critical eye condition may masquerade with similar symptoms. 

Don't neglect persistent discomfort. If preventive measures offer no relief, consult Dr. Barnes to ensure that no stone is left unturned in preserving your vision.

The Vision Corner approach

Dr. Barnes goes beyond the surface, probing for any underlying issues that might be causing your eye strain. From in-depth eye exams to a thorough ocular assessment, her goal is clear: identifying and addressing the root cause.

Treating eye strain

Managing eye strain may also require a lifestyle adaptation. Dr. Barnes may recommend blue light glasses, corrective eye glasses, changes in digital habits, or workplace modifications to mitigate discomfort. She might also address dry eyes, a common sidekick to eye strain, with lubricating eye drops.

Don’t let eye strain compromise your sight; call Vision Corner in Houston, Texas, or book online at the first sign of trouble.