6
Aug

Everyone is facing a modern dilemma: excessive screen time and how it is impacting our health. While there are many benefits of having technology to improve our lives and access to endless information, looking at the screen can take a toll on your eyes over time.

Consider how you feel after a long day at the office: when you get home, it’s like that you are feeling tired and even a little blurry-eyed after staring at the screen all day. While you can’t avoid looking at computers and phones, there are things that you can do to protect your eyes and avoid digital eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a great option to implement into your daily routine.

What is the 20-20-20 Rule?

The 20-20-20 rule is an effective solution to help you avoid digital eye strain. Three important elements are part of this plan:

• Only look at the screen for 20 minutes at a time
• At the end of the 20-minute period, look away from the screen at something at least 20 feet away
• Take a break for a minimum of 20 seconds before turning your attention back to the screen again

Does the 20-20-20 Rule Work?

This rule is more than just a recommendation: there is science behind the reason why it’s smart to protect your eyes in this way. For example, when you are staring at a screen, it reduces the frequency of blinking, which can lead to dry eyes and cause discomfort. Taking breaks can help to rehydrate your eyes because you will blink more.

Additionally, focusing on objects that are close can cause strain to the eye muscles and make you feel more fatigued. So, looking at something at a distance can give your eyes a break because you can refocus in a different way.

Also, the light emitted from a computer or phone screen can also contribute to eye fatigue. Breaks can reduce this fatigue, and some people also choose to add an anti-glare coating to their eyeglasses for this reason.

Setting Reminders During the Day

It can be easy to get pulled into a work project or distracted by something happening online. Consider setting alarms on your phone so that you remember to take breaks throughout the day. These alarms can help you create the habit until it becomes natural to fit into your work flow.

Also, make sure to have proper lighting and ergonomics for your work. A few adjustments to your workspace can go a long way to ensure your comfort throughout the day.

Contact the Eyecare Experts

If you are experiencing eye fatigue or any other symptoms affecting your vision, then it is time to schedule an eye appointment. Contact our team at Temecula Creek Optometry to book an examination: (951) 302 -1331.