How I Beat Eye Strain From Too Much Screen Time: A Practical Guide

Let's be real, in today's world, staring at screens is practically unavoidable. Whether it's for work, entertainment, or staying connected, our eyes are constantly glued to digital displays. I know I spend countless hours coding, writing, and browsing, and all that screen time started taking a toll. My eyes felt dry, tired, and strained. I knew I had to find a solution, and I'm excited to share what worked for me to reduce eye strain.

My Struggle with Eye Strain

The problem started subtly. I’d notice my eyes feeling gritty and tired, especially after long coding sessions. Sometimes, it felt like I couldn't focus properly, and I'd get headaches. I knew it was all the screen time, but I couldn't just stop working or connecting with friends and family online. I realized I needed to find practical ways to manage the strain and protect my eyes.

My Solutions and Discoveries

After experiencing these issues, I started researching and experimenting with different approaches. Here's what I found to be effective:

The 20-20-20 Rule

This was a game-changer for me. I made it a point to follow the 20-20-20 rule diligently. Every 20 minutes, I’d look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It sounds simple, but it really helps to relax your eye muscles and prevent them from getting too fatigued. Setting a timer on my phone helped me remember to take these mini-breaks.

Optimizing Screen Settings

I used to be a big fan of dark mode, thinking it was easier on the eyes. However, I discovered that using dark text on a light background is actually better for reducing eye strain. Also, making sure the font size is large enough so I don't have to squint helped a lot. Small adjustments like these made a noticeable difference.

Taking Breaks and Looking into the Distance

I realized that constantly focusing on close objects, like a computer screen, was a major contributor to my eye strain. So, I started incorporating short breaks throughout the day where I'd simply look at something far away. During the day, I would stand on my balcony and gaze at the distant buildings and trees. In the evening, I would take a walk outside. This simple practice helped my eyes relax and refocus.

Blue Light Filtering

I also started to consider blue light filtering. For coding, I try to think about the solution using pen and paper first. Since coding the solution takes less time, it cuts down on screen time. For bigger projects, taking breaks is essential. I decided to get some blue light filtering glasses. I found a great option at Mozaer's homepage. They offer a variety of glasses that can help filter out blue light and reduce eye strain.

YCCRI Reading Glasses

I even tried the YCCRI New Progressive Multi-focus Women Reading Glasses Anti-blue Light Near Far Male Female Metal Eyeglasses Anti-radiation. I was initially skeptical, but after wearing them for a few weeks, I noticed a significant reduction in my eye strain. The anti-blue light feature really seemed to help, and the multi-focus design made it easier to switch between looking at my screen and other objects. It felt more natural for my eyes, and I didn't experience the same level of fatigue.

Night Mode and Screen Time Before Bed

I also realized that using screens right before bed was making it harder to fall asleep and contributing to my eye strain. So, I made it a rule to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. I also started using night light settings on my devices, which reduces the amount of blue light emitted. This helped me relax and sleep better, which in turn reduced my eye strain.

Eye Drops

When my eyes felt particularly dry, I found that using lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) helped a lot. I used them 3 to 4 times a day. It provided instant relief and kept my eyes moisturized. I made sure to purchase a good quality brand and used them consistently.

Practical Tips and Suggestions

Here are some additional tips that I found helpful in managing eye strain:

• **Adjust your monitor position:** Make sure your monitor is at arm’s length away from you and slightly below eye level.
• **Blink frequently:** Consciously remind yourself to blink regularly to keep your eyes lubricated.
• **Improve your lighting:** Ensure your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare and eye strain.
• **Take regular breaks:** Get up and walk around every hour to give your eyes and body a break.
• **Consider a humidifier:** If you work in a dry environment, a humidifier can help keep your eyes moisturized.

My Experience Summarized

Here's a quick summary of what worked best for me:

• Following the 20-20-20 rule
• Optimizing screen settings (dark text on light background, larger font size)
• Taking breaks and looking into the distance
• Using blue light filtering glasses, like the ones from Mozaer's homepage.
• Avoiding screens before bed and using night light settings
• Using lubricating eye drops

Final Thoughts

Dealing with eye strain from too much screen time can be challenging, but it's definitely manageable. By incorporating these simple techniques and making small changes to my daily routine, I was able to significantly reduce my eye strain and improve my overall eye health. Remember to listen to your body and find what works best for you. If you're experiencing persistent eye strain, it's always a good idea to consult with an eye doctor. Don't let digital eye strain get in the way of your productivity and well-being. Take care of your eyes, and they'll take care of you! Now go forth and conquer those screens, but remember to take breaks and prioritize your eye health. A little bit of effort goes a long way in preventing and managing eye strain. And remember that investing in good quality blue light glasses, like those available at Mozaer, could be a great step towards protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light.