This computer eye strain post was created in partnership with Oiamik. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!
We have had a wild year, haven’t we? We have all been through countless changes in the last eight months, and one of the big changes is that many of us are spending our days at home staring at the computer screen. Whether you are working from home or your kids are going to school on their laptops at home, screens are all around us. For most of us, that means that our eyes are feeling the strain.
Computer eye strain is a real thing, and recent studies have shown that it really does affect over half of the people who are routinely on their computers.
Computer eye strain symptoms include eye discomfort, blurred vision, eye twitching, neck strain, eye fatigue, and eye redness. If you are looking for easy ways to stop computer eye strain, I have put together a little list for you!
Easy Ways To Prevent Computer Eye Strain
Of course, the easy ways to stop computer eye strain that we are listing out here won’t take the place of avoiding long screen times, but they will help.
Get an Exam
We all know how important it is to get an annual eye exam, but many of us aren’t quite aware of how much they help prevent eye strain. If your doctor knows how often you are on your computer and approximately how far away you sit from the screen, they can test you from the approximate distance and make recommendations to help prevent eye strain.
Additionally, if you need glasses or need an upgrade in your prescription, that can add to your eyestrain as well. Regular eye exams can help to prevent this.
Upgrade Your Monitor
If your budget allows it, consider investing in a newer monitor. Newer monitors have anti-glare features and better lighting that are designed to cause you less eye strain. The more modern, flat-screen LED monitors are significantly better for your eyes than older box style monitors, and you will notice an almost instant improvement in your computer eye strain once you make the upgrade.
Use Light Blocking Filters
I’m sure you’ve seen all of the advertisements for blue light blocking glasses. If you haven’t yet invested in a pair, you should consider it. My eye doctor recently recommended that I buy them since I spend so much time online.
My Oiamik Blue Light Blocking Glasses look just like regular glasses; the lenses look completely clear. However, as soon as you put them on, you can see your world shift away from blue to an amber hue.
I love that these anti-blue light eyeglasses protect my eyes no matter what device I am using, whether smartphones, computers, tablets, or TV. Plus, they also protect my eyes from UV 400. This means that they provide nearly 100% UVA/UVB protection!
The simple black square frames work for both men and women. We love wearing these glasses at night time to get ready for bed. Blue light is known to decrease melatonin levels, and we need to get a good night’s sleep every night!
Alternatively, you can get a screen to cover your computer screen that blocks out the blue light as well.
Use the Correct Lighting
You are already dealing with your computer screen’s bright lights, don’t let the rest of your light affect your eyes too. Use lower watt bulbs and more ambient style light in your home while you are on the computer.
It seems everyone is staring at a computer screen, phone, or other digital devices these days. And it's causing a serious problem called digital eye strain. Here are some way ways to prevent it!Click To TweetTake Breaks
Take breaks away from your computer often. I know it is tempting to stay put to get your work done faster, but the reality is that breaks are good for your eyes and health in general. Aim to take at least one break (5-10 minutes) every hour.
Blink
Yes, something as simple as just blinking can help you stop computer eye strain. People who are busy staring at the computer screen, on average, blink only ⅓ as much as they typically do. This can cause dryness, irritation, and strain in the eyes.
Adjust Your Screen
Adjust your screen settings on your monitor. The changes in your screen settings can include brightness, contrast, color temperature, and font size. These changes can make a huge difference in your eye strain.
Modify Your Workspace
Even a small amount of modifications to your workspace can help prevent computer eye strain. Here are a few changes that have the potential to lessen your eye strain:
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First and foremost, measure out your space. Make sure to position your monitor so that it sits 20 to 24 inches from your face so that your eyes don’t need to strain too far or focus too much if the screen is too close.
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In case you have to often look between paper and your screen, be sure and place a stand adjacent to your computer monitor.
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Use a low watt desk lamp for proper lighting.
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Invest in an ergonomic chair. Poor chair posture can cause significant eye strain.
As you can see, there are quite a few easy ways to stop computer eye strain that you can try.
Let us know what tricks you have used to improve your computer eye strain below!
Thank you for the information, I can use this. This will help my eyes, thank you.
Do you spend a lot of time in front of screens?
These are very helpful tips for preventing eye strain from the computer. Thank you for sharing! I have heard of light blocking glasses before, how handy.
Do you own any blue light glasses? They are great for TV time at night too!
Thank you for these tips! This is very important since not only do my kids love tech but they are distance learning as well!
Yes, with COVID eye strain is more prevalent
I love all of these tips. I especially love the anti-blue light eyeglasses, but I already wear glasses so maybe I’ll check out the screen cover.
Do you ever wear contacts? Then the blue light glasses could work
i had no idea that newer monitors have anti glare features and are better for our eyes. i would love to try some Oiamik Blue Light Blocking Glasses i wear regular glasses on the daily. i will have to check them out thanks for sharing.
A monitor filter would probably be better for you since you wear glasses. Although if you ever wear contacts these anti-blue light glasses would be perfect!
Holy heck did I need this post! I get such bad headaches from too much screen time. Will definitely be trying out the blue light blocking glasses in the future.
I’m sorry too much screen time hurts your eyes!! Do you have allergies? I notice screens bother me more when my allergies are kicking in.
These are great tips especially now that we all are spending so much more time online for school and work.
Yes, COVID has us all staring at screens more than usual and straining our eyes
We really spend a lot of time in front of our screens. I am hoping that the blue light filter my optician is adding to my prescription glasses helps. Thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Happy to hear you are getting the blue light filter on your regular glasses. That’s a great way to prevent computer eye strain!
Love the blue light on my eyeglasses
My son wasn’t quite a fan, even though it helps computer eye strain. He didn’t like the yellow tint look and made us change them.
Making sure I’m wearing my glasses is a simple step but it goes a long way
Do your glasses have built-in blue light filters?
Thank you for sharing this. This can be a real problem.
Computer eye strain is especially a problem these days with how many screens people use on the daily