8 simple tips to prevent eye strain

Most people are constantly working on computers or sitting in front of their mobile or TV screens, so the eyes have a direct effect on overall health. You may feel tiredness or recurring irritation in your eyes after concentrating intensely for a long time, which causes eye strain. According to experts, although it is a common condition, prolonged eye strain can become a sign of something more serious and you should consult your doctor.

It is usually possible to cure eye strain by making changes to your daily habits or environment, but some people need treatment for an underlying eye condition.

How to get rid of eye strain?

Some simple things you can do to help prevent eye strain include:

Find the right light

It is always important to sit under perfect lighting that does not cause eye strain. Light that is too dim or too bright can cause a lot of strain on your eyes. According to doctors, the light should come from behind you if you are concentrating intensely on something, such as reading. Dimming the lights can help reduce eye strain when watching TV.

If you are on mobile, be sure to adjust the brightness as needed.

Use artificial tears

Doctors say over-the-counter artificial tears prevent and relieve dry eyes and can be used even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated and prevent symptoms from recurring.

However, be sure to avoid eye drops that eliminate redness, as these can make dry eye symptoms worse.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule

Eye strain often occurs when you do the same activity for a long period of time without a break. That’s why it’s important to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which consists of shifting your attention to something 20 feet away and looking at it for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Wear appropriate glasses

Whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure they are working to reduce any strain. If you still experience discomfort despite wearing them regularly, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.

According to experts, certain coatings and lens tints help the eyes and may even reduce pain.

Improve the air quality around you

You should make some changes to your environment to help prevent dry eyes, such as using a humidifier, adjusting your thermostat to reduce the amount of air blowing, and avoiding smoking. If you smoke, simply stop smoking and move your chair to areas that can help reduce the amount of dry air moving over your eyes and face.

Blink often

While you are engrossed in your work or watching your favorite series, you may forget to blink, which can lead to dry eyes. So, make sure to do it often, as it produces tears that moisten and refresh your eyes.

Eat healthy foods

According to experts, it is advisable to regularly consume eye-protecting foods, such as fish, nuts, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, spinach and kale juices, which are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.

Adjust the screen

It’s important to adjust your computer or mobile phone screen, which can go a long way in reducing eye strain. These adjustments, such as brightness, text size, contrast, and color temperature, provide comfort for long periods of time.