Adults in the United States spend an average of 7 hours on their screens every day. Is it any wonder, then, that eye strain is one of the fastest-growing complaints people seek help for every day? Here at Paul Vision Institute, our eye doctors in Wilmington, NC, see more and more cases all the time. Eye strain doesn’t only happen to people who spend a lot of time looking at screens, however. Any activity that demands long-lasting visual attention can cause these eye strain symptoms:

• Blurred or double vision
• Excess tear production, or not enough tears (dry eyes)
• Burning, tired, itchy, sore eyes
• Headaches
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty focusing

Even a sore neck, back, and shoulders are connected to eye strain from several activities, including long periods of intensive eye use like reading, studying, crafting, painting, and driving. The following three tips can help you manage or reduce bouts of eye strain:

1. Eye Strain Avoidance Ergonomics

If you’re on your computer or other screens for several hours a day, adjust your surroundings for better lighting and a more ergonomic setup. For example, get a glare filter to reduce screen glare, use an adjustable chair that gives you an ergonomic, straight-ahead view of your screen, and clean your screen and glasses regularly to remove smudges, dust, and debris. If you’re driving, make sure vents are pointed away from your face to prevent drying out your eyes too much.

2. Take Eye Breaks

Try to reduce excess screen time if you can, but if that’s not practical because of work requirements, set a timer and try the 20-20-20 eye-break rule:

• Every 20 minutes, stop the intense eye activity
• Focus on an object about 20 feet away
• Look at the object for at least 20 seconds

It’s always a good idea to use breaks to take a walk in natural light, where you don’t have to focus your eyes as intently.

3. Blinking and Eye Drops

Intense eye usage can lead to less blinking, which causes more dryness and strain for your eyes. Try to remember to blink. If you have a hard time remembering, ask our Wilmington, NC eye doctors for recommendations on lubricating eye drops that can help keep your eyes properly moistened.

Is it Eye Strain or Something Else? Ask The Eye Doctors Wilmington Trusts

If you follow these tips and your eye strain symptoms don’t go away, you might have something else happening that you should address with our eye doctors here at Paul Vision Institute. Schedule an appointment for personalized eye care today!