Living in this digital age, almost everyone, i.e., a housewife or working one’s or adults or children’s is handling electronic devices in one form or another like computers, smartphones, tablets, or e-readers. Even exposing to very dim lights, working longer times at daytime, or feeling stressed this all leads to eye strain. But don’t worry. In this article, you will find effective tips to reduce eye strain.
Asthenopia is commonly known as eye strain. It’s a common condition that occurs when your eyes become tired from the intense use of digital devices for a longer time of straining to see in dim light. When it becomes too straining for the eyes, it is the signal that you must unplug from the screens. There are many effective tips that can keep your eyes healthy.
Signs And Symptoms Of Eye Strain
- Tired burning or itching eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty in concentration at work
- Veritigo
Common Causes Of Eye Strain
- Looking continuously to digital screens
- Reading without any break
- Being exposed to bright light
- Having an underlying eye problem such as dry eyes
- Being stressed
Although eye drops and other medicines are readily available, there are also many natural ways to relieve and reduce eye strain.
20 Tips To Reduce Eye Strain
- Adjust The Lighting – While watching television, keep the room softly lit include fluorescent lighting.
- Adjust Your Screen – Position your monitor directly in front of you about an arm’s length away, i.e., it should be at eye level.
- Handling Mobile Phones Or Tablets – Enlarge the type for easier reading and brightness to a level that is comfortable to you while using them.
- Right Eyewear – You can choose good photochromic lenses or tinted lenses while doing computer work to reduce exposure from harmful direct blue light emitted by digital lights.
- Take A Break – When doing continuous work may cause strain to eyes, so take every 20 minutes eye break by looking away.
- Artificial Tears – Artificial tears help to keep your eyes lubricated, helping to relieve dry eyes caused by straining.
- Blink Frequently – Blinking eyes frequently produces tears that moisten and refresh your eyes. So make a habit of blinking more often while using gadgets.
- Limit Screen Time – It is especially for children who watch television for long hours, and this may cause eye strain. Limiting timing for watching or at least reducing the screen time is the solution.
- Wear Sunglasses – Whenever you are outside and exposing eyes for a longer time in the daytime, wear a good pair of shades.
- Eye Massage – Take a few drops of olive oil or aloe vera gel or eye cream on the tips of finger and massage in a circular motion over the eyelids and under eyes. It will relax the muscles of the eyes.
- Warm Compress – Soak a soft, clean towel in warm water and close your eyes and place the warm cloth over eyelids for 5 minutes. Repeat this process at least three times.
- Water – Splashing of some water on the eyes is effective in relieving eye strain and also reduce swelling or puffiness.
- Relaxant Cooler – Apply a slice of cucumber on the eyes to get quick relief from pain. The coolness brings relaxation to the eyes.
- Cold Compresses – You can make ice cubes of tea or tea bags as it contains tannins that help constrict vessels, relieving eye strain.
- Stop Smoking – Smoking cigarettes produces cyanide, which damages eye muscles. It also leads to macular degeneration.
- Eye Checkups – Regular eye check-ups will help out the cause of eye strain. It also helps in keeping your eye healthy.
- Avoid Over-use Of Devices – Avoid using gadgets or working late night. Your eyes are already tired, and the blue light from the screen adds up the straining on it.
- Exercise – Exercise like eye-rolling four rounds for 3 times or rubbing palms over your eyes till they are warm.
- A Healthy Diet – A rainbow balanced diet is a must for healthy eyes. Include fruits and vegetables such as oranges, amla, papaya, carrot, mango, and lots of green veggies. A good amount of omega 3 foods such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Zinc from a whole egg and sunflower seeds.
- Keep Hydrated – To keep natural moisture in the eyes is important to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
Read Also: Unplugging From Technologies: 6 Reasons Why We Need A Digital Detox