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It’s easy to get lost in front of your computer screen which can strain your eyes and cause discomfort. Here are seven easy tips to help you avoid eyestrain, fatigue, and blurry vision from those extended periods of time in front of your computer:
 

1. Follow the 20/20/20 Rule. This means take a 20 second break every 20 minutes. During this break, focus on an object 20 feet away.
2. Remember to blink! It may seem obvious, but sometimes we forget to blink when we’re intensely focused on a task in front of the computer. Making sure you frequently blink keeps your eyes moist and helps prevent dry eye.
3. Take short breaks. Get up from the computer and take time to stretch out and walk.
4. Adjust your monitor position. Many people find it easier on their eyes to view computer screens from a downward angle.
5. Reduce glare. Re-position your computer monitor away from overhead lighting and use curtains on windows. Reducing glare helps reduce the strain on your eyes during extended computer sessions.
6. Adjust your brightness settings. Try to keep your monitor’s brightness settings to the same levels as the ambient light around your work area. This will minimize eye fatigue.
7. Ask your eye doctor about computer eye-ware. There is eye-wear designed specifically for computer use that can reduce eye strain and vision fatigue. Your eye doctor can create a special lens prescription to help you see more clearly when you work in front of a computer. These eyeglasses or contact lenses would be different than those you would use for reading books or newspapers.

If you’re continuing to suffer from eye strain and blurry vision from extended periods of computer use, we encourage you to make an appointment with our eye doctors for a complete eye exam. There could be underlying issues causing these symptoms.