Eye strain is a common condition resulting from the extended use of digital screens, such as computers and laptops.
The prolonged exposure to blue light emitted by screens can cause discomfort, fatigue, headaches, and even blurred vision.
Thankfully, there are several measures that you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing eye strain.
15 Effective Methods to Reduce Eye Strain When Using a Computer
1. Make Sure Your Screen is at the Right Distance
Set up your monitor so that it is no closer than 20 inches away from you, which should allow your eyes to look at the screen without straining them too much.
2. Adjust Your Monitor’s Settings
Adjusting your monitor’s settings can help reduce glare and reflections and increase text size and contrast.
You can even check the reverse colors Mac feature if you have an Apple laptop. All of these will help reduce eye strain.
3. Adjust Brightness Levels
Lowering the brightness levels on your device screen can also do wonders for reducing eye strain. Aim for about half the level of brightness for a comfortable viewing experience.
4. Take Regular Breaks
Taking regular breaks from staring at the monitor helps rest your eyes so they don’t get tired as quickly when looking at a digital display for long periods.
5. Blink More Often
Blinking is important when it comes to avoiding eye strain because it helps keep the eyes moist and lubricated so they won’t dry out or become irritated when you stare at a bright computer screen for too long.
6. Use an Anti-Glare Screen Filter
Using an anti-glare screen filter on your machine minimizes glare and reflections while also making the test larger and tinkering with other settings, so it’s easier to read and less strenuous on the eyes in general.
7. Position Your Screen Properly
Make sure that your screen isn’t positioned too high or low about where you’re sitting so that you don’t have to crane or tilt your neck to see what’s on display clearly.
This will prevent unnecessary muscle tension in the neck, which contributes significantly towards eye strain symptoms over time if not addressed properly.
8. Check Your Computer’s Refresh Rate Setting
Increasing your refresh rate setting can make all the difference in preventing eye strain.
Aim for around 75 Hz if possible (or higher depending on what monitor type you have) since this setting ensures that images stay sharp regardless of how long you’ve been looking at them without compromising visual quality in any way whatsoever.
9. Use Software That Diminishes Blue Light Emissions
Some programs are specifically designed to diminish blue light emissions coming from computer monitors without sacrificing image quality.
These programs will be beneficial if you spend several hours each day in front of a screen with no breaks.
10. Wear Computer Glasses With UV Protection Lenses
Wearing glasses with lenses designed specifically for use with computers can help protect against UV rays while also reducing glare coming off the monitor itself.
The glasses should fit comfortably around both eyes so there’s no pressure being applied directly onto them, which could lead to headaches or other uncomfortable sensations down the road.
11. Change Up Your Task List Every Hour or So
Changing up what tasks you do every hour or two gives both your brain and eyes some much-needed respite.
Choose something different than what was previously done (such as taking a break rather than continuing work), and make sure it’s an enjoyable pastime, like reading a book instead of staring at another digital display.
12. Take Time Off From Staring At Monitors Every 4-6 Hours
If possible, try taking a break and not starting at a monitor every four hours or so during workdays.
This break should be used simply to rest one’s eyes by looking away from all kinds of screens, including phone displays, television sets, etcetera – just make sure nothing is competing with natural light sources either while doing so.
13. Increase Font Size For Easier Reading & Clarity
Increasing font size not only makes things more legible but also decreases strain on one’s eyes.
Try aiming for a slightly larger font size to ensure optimal clarity without directly overworking one’s vision.
14. Avoid Glare By Keeping Lights On Or Off As Needed
Glare caused by sunlight or artificial lighting sources can cause significant discomfort even after short spans spent using digital displays.
Keeping lights either entirely off or dimmed down considerably may help alleviate some issues related thereto without resorting to drastic measures such as turning off all lights within an entire room just because one person needs some extra comfort while working on their device.
15. Turn To Natural Alternatives For Eye Care Whenever Possible
Traditional methods such as cold compresses or cucumber slices are still valid options for relieving tiredness associated with overexposure to computer screens, so they are worth a try.
Karan is a professional computer writer who has worked in the technology industry for over 10 years. I have a degree in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and have written several articles on technology products. Meet our team