If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen, you probably know the signs of eye fatigue. It could be as simple as feeling tired after staring at your computer screen for hours. Or you could experience headaches after spending time on your phone. While these are frustrating symptoms, left unaddressed, eye fatigue can signal serious issues. In fact, it can lead to blurred or double vision. This blog explores the causes of eye fatigue and offers solutions for what you can do to eliminate negative effects resulting from prolonged screentime.
What is Eye Fatigue?
Eye fatigue results from prolonged computer use. The glare of your screen, brightness, and degree of contrast, as well as proximity contribute to eye strain. The more time you spend staring at a computer screen in one day, the more likely eye fatigue will occur.
Fortunately, you can do several things to reduce eyestrain while working in front of a laptop or desktop computer:
1. Rest your Eyes
Take breaks from looking at the screen by looking away and closing your eyes for a few moments. Frequent, short breaks result in less eye strain. If you stand up and walk around your office periodically, your entire body (not just your eyes) will thank you!
2. Improve Lighting Conditions
Use a lamp or overhead light. The best way to reduce glare is to adequately light your work area.
3. Use a Desk Lamp with a Shield
If your workspace suffers from low natural light, use an adjustable lamp with a removable shade. Sometimes, direct light from a lamp can lead to glare. So, direct the light away from your screen.
4. Reduce Glare
Adjust the brightness of your monitor. Also, make sure it faces away from windows and other light sources. You may also consider investing in a glare filter, guard, or hood for your screen. If you have a laptop or tablet, try using it in different locations within the room, depending on which ones are more comfortable with less reflection and glare.
5. Change Your Monitor
Make sure your monitor is at the correct distance from your face. Also, make sure the screen is at eye level. In some cases, you may want to invest in a more glare-resistant computer monitor. If you need help finding this type of equipment, let us know. At 208Geek, we love giving customers direction, so they know which computer terminal and monitor best suits their lifestyle.
6. Get Blue-Light Filtering Glasses
Blue-light filtering glasses are affordable and readily available. If you spend hours in front of a computer screen, make the investment to guard your eyes against strain.
7. Adjust Settings on your Computer or Phone
Windows offers a feature called Dark Mode. iPhones have Night Shift. Take advantage of these adjustments, which are designed to reduce eye strain.
About 208Geek in Meridian, Idaho
Owner/Operator Jacob Van Vliet began building and repairing computer systems for friends and family out of his home in 2001. Jacob was receiving so many requests for computer repair, that in the Fall of 2005, he opened 208 Geek with the vision of providing outstanding service and peace of mind. He has committed 208 Geek to delivering unparalleled, friendly, and professional service, with a 100% satisfaction. Our new hours include Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. as well as 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.