Article Reviewed By: Dr. Shradha Goel, M.B.B.S., M.S. Ophthalmology
Do you find yourself staying glued to your computer screens and digital devices for hours on end?
Well, you’re not alone. We are in the digital era, and with our eyes constantly fixed on computer screens and digital devices, it is no surprise that most people are prone to suffer from dry eyes.
How to prevent dry eyes? Whether you spend a lot of time playing video games, working from home, or simply watching your favorite TV series, having dry eyes can be a nuisance.
It’s time to bid adieu dry eyes by taking the right precautionary measures, and to make things simpler for you, we have come up with a curated list of preventive measures that will help you deal with dry eyes.
Six Effective Ways On How To Prevent Dry Eyes
1. Eye Care The Right Way
Just as your body needs regular checkups to stay healthy, your eyes also need proper care and attention. Often overlooked but yet a very crucial practice that everyone needs to follow. If you’re suffering from dry eyes, then it is best for you to avoid rubbing your eyes, as it can worsen irritation.
Clean your eyelids gently with a warm washcloth to remove debris and stimulate tear production. If you wear contact lenses, follow proper cleaning and replacement schedules to prevent dryness and discomfort. If you’re in Mumbai and require specialized eye care, don’t hesitate to consult the best eye specialist in Mumbai.
2. Get a comprehensive eye exam.
Taking care of your eyes should be a top priority, and that starts with getting a comprehensive eye exam. Whether you want to prevent or address computer-related vision problems, this exam is crucial. If it’s been more than a year since your last eye check-up, then it is time to consult an eye doctor near you.
During the examination, make sure to inform your doctor about the frequency of your computer usage both at work and at home. Also, take note of the distance between your eyes and the screen when you’re at your computer, and share that measurement during the appointment.
3. Take A Blink Break
When you’re extremely focused while working on digital devices, be it working on the computer or simply scrolling through social media, you tend to blink lesser than usual. This can cause your eyes to become dry, which can reduce the spread of tears across the eye.
But how to prevent dry eyes? Just take a blink break from digital screens. One way to do this is to set reminders or follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something that’s 20 feet away. These simple practices can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable while using digital devices.
4. Adjust your Screen Settings
It’s not only the screen itself that can cause discomfort to your eyes but also factors like background light, glare, and flickering. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent eye strain in the future. By making a few simple adjustments to your devices, you can significantly reduce the risk.
Start by syncing your screen brightness with the ambient lighting around you, enlarging the text for easier reading, improving the contrast on your screen, and increasing the refresh rate to minimize flickering. These minor tweaks can have a significant impact on preserving the health of your eyes.
5. Optimize Your Workspace
Take a mindful approach by setting up an eye-friendly atmosphere that promotes well-being. Create a visually soothing atmosphere by adjusting lighting levels and maintaining optimal humidity. Swap out harsh overhead lights for adjustable desk lamps that provide personalized brightness.
Combat the discomfort of computer vision syndrome caused by air conditioning or heating systems by incorporating a humidifier into your workspace. By prioritizing these elements, you’ll create an inviting environment that promotes eye health and overall well-being.
Consider computer glasses.
One handy way as to how to prevent dry eyes is by using computer glasses. Start by consulting with an eye doctor who can prescribe the right pair for you. These glasses are especially helpful if you usually wear bifocals or progressive lenses, as they provide a larger viewing zone for your computer screen.
Another suggestion is to use photochromic or lightly tinted blue black lenses, which might decrease your exposure to potentially dangerous blue light emitted by digital devices.
Lastly, if you spend long hours in front of a screen, wearing computer glasses or regular eyeglasses can be much more comfortable than wearing contact lenses, which tend to dry out during extended computer work.
6. Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
To prevent any long-term harm to your eyesight, it is of utmost importance for individuals using digital displays to recognize the symptoms of digital eye strain. Look out for the following signs:
- Feeling heaviness or strain on your eyes
- Spending long hours using electronic devices
- Experiencing blurry vision or seeing double
- Having dry, irritated eyes
- Dealing with frequent headaches
- Being exposed to excessive blue light
- Having poor lighting conditions while using screens
- Not blinking enough while focusing on digital displays
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, then it’s time for you to get Dry Eye Treatment in Mumbai at Arohi Eye Hospital. Trust Arohi Eye Hospital to provide expert solutions and relieve your discomfort caused by dry eyes.
Parting Thoughts
In the digital age, where screens dominate our daily lives, it’s crucial to prioritize our eye health and prevent dry eyes. By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your daily routine, you can keep your eyes refreshed, lubricated, and healthy.
For specialized care, count on Arohi Eye Hospital. Get in touch with us now to schedule an appointment and experience the difference for yourself. Take the first step towards healthier eyes and a brighter future.
Dr. Shradha Goel
Dr. Shradha Goel, Chief Surgeon at Arohi Eye Hospital, is a renowned Phaco-LASIK surgeon with over 10,000 surgeries to her credit. She earned her MBBS from Grant Medical College, Mumbai, and a Master’s in Ophthalmology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. As a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Goel specialises in LASIK, refractive errors, and cataract treatments.