Squinting at Screens
Do you stare at computer screens all day?
This is a common ailment for IT Support Specialists, who spend nearly all of their working day in front of a computer screen. But with remote work, online classes, and collaboration over long distances so available (only if you’re willing to sit at your desk for a few hours more that day), more users are reaching out for advice on how to manage eye strain.
I follow a suggestion by my eye doctor, which has immensely helped in resting my eyes and preventing strain or headaches, as well as even improved my eyesight!
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every twenty minutes, as you work on the computer, take a twenty second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. The idea is to rest your eyes from the computer screen, but also to flex them by adjusting your focus to a different distance. Since our computer screens (and phone screens) tend to be pretty close to our faces, taking regular breaks to look farther away can keep your eyes trained.
After practicing regular breaks and making an effort to adjust my eyes to look longer distances, my eyesight has specifically gotten stronger, if only by a few degrees. By resting your eyes, practicing far-distance focus, and extra blinking to keep your eyes hydrated, you can protect your eyes and at the very least, keep your eyesight from getting worse.
I use EyeLeo, which dims my screen and gives timely reminders to look away and blink.
http://eyeleo.com/
Other Resources: