Does your work require you to stare at a computer screen for hours at a time? If so, eyestrain may become a serious problem. A current story by the everon small-business blog says that workers plugged into their computers can face a host of problems, everything from watery eyes to headaches, increased sensitivity to light and difficulty focusing. The good news? Avoiding eyestrain is really quite easy, even if you need to stare at the computer screen for eight hours. Here are some simple tips and techniques for reducing the unwanted effects of eyestrain.
20/20/20 Rule
First, you should practice the 20/20/20 rule. Basically, this rule states that once every 20 minutes you need to take 20 seconds to look at an object that is 20 feet or more away from you. The reason why? This forces your eyes to focus on something that’s not a glowing video display. Additionally, it gives your eyes a bit of a workout. The everon blog suggests that every 20 minutes you walk take a 20-second break to walk 20 feet or more. This is not just good for your eyes, but for your wellbeing and mental state, too.
Reminders
The everon story highlights several apps that can help you remember to take these micro breaks. One such app, Workrave, will pop onto your screen to remind you to take your break. The app will even suggest exercises that will help boost the strength of your eyes, back and shoulders. The EyeLeo app blocks your computer screen every hour, forcing you to get out of your chair and do something different. The app will then demonstrate a simple exercise that you can tackle before your screen returns to normal.
The Coffee Break App
There’s also the Coffee Break app, though it’s only available for Apple. This app will steadily darken your screen as a reminder that your break is coming up. When the break arrives, your screen will be totally dark, and it’s time to step away from the computer. Obviously, not even Coffee Break can force you to give your eyes a rest. That’s up to you. Here’s hoping you get up every so often, enjoy a little change of scenery and a quick eye break!