Eye strain from screens – how can I prevent it? - #14

Anonymously

I spend hours in front of a screen every day for work, and lately, my eyes have been feeling really strained. They get dry, itchy, and sometimes even watery by the end of the day. What are some ways to reduce eye strain from screens? Should I be using special glasses, or would taking breaks every hour help?

Eye

Eye strain

Screen fatigue

Dry eyes

Computer vision syndrome

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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev

I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.

69 days ago

To help reduce strain, the 20-20-20 rule is a great place to start: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help give your eyes a chance to rest and refocus. Also, try to blink more often to keep your eyes moisturized and consider using artificial tears if dryness is a problem.

Using blue light glasses can also help some people, but the evidence on their effectiveness is mixed. What’s more important is adjusting your screen settings—reduce brightness, adjust text size, and increase contrast. Make sure your screen is at an appropriate distance (about arm's length) and slightly below eye level to minimize strain.

Finally, remember to keep the room well-lit to avoid glare, and if the discomfort persists, it might be helpful to see an eye doctor for further evaluation. With the right adjustments, most people find significant relief.

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