Five Tips For Fresh And Focused Eyes In A Digital World

To keep our personal and professional lives running smoothly we now need to be connected at all times. We feel positively naked without a mobile phone; and we begin to show signs of distress when cut off from the Internet for even a few hours.

Reading a phone text message – without glasses – is one of the first joys to experience after Laser Eye Surgery. For London Vision Clinic patients, this is usually a text from their surgeon, just checking how the patient is feeling.  It truly is a memorable and happy moment to be able to read it easily.

So whether it is via a phone, laptop or tablet this desire for constant connection means that our eyes must work harder to keep up with the demands we place on them. Although we often take our vision for granted, it is essential to have good eye sight to fully enjoy all the benefits of the new digital devices.

While on the move we might not always be able to create a vision healthy environment, however (thanks to www.mashable.com) here are five tips which will help keep our eyes fresh and focussed in a digital world.

Customize Your Environment

When static – at home or in the office – if possible use a large monitor or a screen magnifier to reduce eye strain. Make sure that you chair is close to your computer and that you are sitting in a chair with adequate lower back support. When you are comfortable before using the device you will decrease the amount of stress you put on your eyes trying to find the best viewing angle.

Think About Lighting

For extended screen reading change your monitor settings to a reflective lighting scheme. Also think about the room lighting – good room lighting is not only flattering it is also healthy for your eyes. Keep bright overhead lighting to a minimum as this can over expose and irritate the eyes; while too little light creates eye strain in order to see. Position your desk lamp so that it is shining on your desk – not you.

Try to keep window light off to the side rather than in front or behind you. Use blinds and invest in a glare screen. Position the computer screen in such a way as to reduce reflections from windows or overhead lights.

Adjust Your Reading Angle

Adjust your screen so that you look downward – it should be about 24 or 28 inches away. The screen centre should be about four to six inches below your eyes. Also make sure that your screen is big enough and just the right brightness and contrast so you’re not straining to see text or images clearly. Adjust the screen settings to where they are comfortable for you.

Magnify Text on Screen

For people with reduced vision, magnifying the text and images on your device will help avoid straining your eyes by squinting. Almost every device can be adjusted to display larger text and for those with compromised vision this can make reading much easier.

Blink and Take Frequent Breaks

Devices are set up for virtually nonstop work – but you aren’t a machine! You need to take breaks to recharge and so do your eyes. Use the 20-20-20 rule – it’s easy to remember: every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away – not forgetting to blink! Blinking washes the eyes in natural therapeutic tears. If you regularly wear glasses, also make sure that you have proper lenses for the computer.

Follow the above tips and you can enjoy your slick new technology without worrying about consequences to your eye health, productivity and overall peace of mind.

Photo: ima-arrieta.deviantart.com