In the era of digital technology, frequent eye issues include dry eyes, eye strain, and increased prescription strengths in children under 10 years old due to prolonged use of computers or mobile screens source. Encouraging eye health in the face of prolonged screen usage is essential to reducing these problems. Here are some tips to help maintain healthy eyes despite extended periods of screen time.
Get Enough Sleep
For people who spend a lot of time on screens, getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to ensure your eyes are well-rested and less prone to strain. Proper sleep promotes natural lubrication of the eyes and protects them from dryness source.
Avoid Small Font Sizes
Dr. Dheeraj Gupta, Senior Consultant Ophthalmology at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, advises, “When interacting with digital content, decrease the font size to prevent packing too much information into the screen. This might result in needless staring and squinting, which makes eye strain worse. Instead, to make reading and viewing more pleasant, enlarge the font and change the screen’s settings” source.
Use Larger Displays
Whenever possible, switch to larger displays. For instance, using a laptop rather than a tablet for academics and watching videos on a tablet instead of a phone can greatly reduce eye strain. Larger screens result in larger text and visuals, reducing the need for extended close-up viewing and intense focus source.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is another crucial component of eye health. Dehydration can lead to eye dryness and discomfort. To keep your body and eyes hydrated throughout the day, sip on plenty of water source.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Those who suffer from chronic dry eyes may find that lubricating drops help. Use them as a qualified eye care specialist directs to maintain comfortable and moist eyes source.
Take Regular Breaks
In addition to the tips mentioned above, taking regular breaks from screen time is essential. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This practice helps reduce eye strain and allows your eyes to rest periodically source.
By implementing these strategies—taking regular breaks, ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding small font sizes, using larger displays, staying hydrated, and using lubricating eye drops—you can prioritize and maintain eye health in the digital era. These techniques not only aid in short-term discomfort relief but also support long-term eye health, ensuring that your eyesight stays sharp and clear even after prolonged screen use source.
