Computers may have made our working lives a whole lot easier, but they’ve wreaked havoc on our eyes. If you find yourself experiencing ocular migraines or other effects of blue light, try following these tips from our Raleigh optometrist.
The blue light emitted from the computer screen is only half the problem; ambient lighting (the primary general light in the room) can exacerbate symptoms of eye strain. If you spend multiple hours peering into a computer screen, make sure that your ambient light is not too bright by closing drapes, shades, or blinds around you. If possible, turn off the overhead fluorescent lights in your office, and try using a floor lamp to provide indirect, incandescent lighting instead. If your employer is unwilling to make this accommodation, a note from your optometrist might help influence their decision.
If you spend most of your day looking at tiny numbers or figures, try “zooming in” much closer than you normally do. Reading extra-large characters may feel a little strange at first, but it can significantly help save your eyes from strain and fatigue.
Studies have shown that people working at computers blink about one-third as often as they do normally. You can remember to blink and rest your eyes by following the “20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, gaze at a distant object at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.
If you find yourself having ocular migraines or other symptoms of computer eye stain, it’s even more important for you to schedule a routine, comprehensive eye exam each year. Your eye doctor can ensure that your vision is not worsening as a result of eye strain, and may be able to prescribe customized computer eyeglasses that have been color-tinted to reduce blue light reception. Glasses with an anti-reflective (AR) coating can also help reduce eye strain by reducing glare.
If you are experiencing eye pain or discomfort, our expert Raleigh optometrists can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment.