Eye strain is one of the most common ailments that Americans do not believe that they are in danger
of developing. However, with the sheer amount of time we spend in front of our computers and
smartphones each day, eye strain is an inevitability.
When you can no longer tolerate the strain you are placing on your eyes each day and you begin to
suffer from extreme pain while at home, these tips will help you to reduce the strain on your eyes.
1. Heed The Warning Signs
If you are beginning to feel persistent pain in your eyes, even while resting at home, this is typically a
sign that they are experiencing a strain. Even pain in the shoulders and neck can be seen as a warning
that eye strain is starting to build up, so be sure to listen to these signs.
2. Reduce Your Eyes’ Workload
Do you really need to bring your smartphone with you every time you use the restroom? Does your
computer monitor’s brightness setting truly have to be turned all the way up? Take a look at your
lifestyle and make some subtle changes to reduce the workload that your eyes are taking on each day.
3. Keep A Distance Between Your Eyes and Screens
There is no need to sit on top of your laptop or have your smartphone two inches from your face at all
times. This increases the amount of work your eyes have to do on a daily basis. Pay attention to the
ergonomics of how you interact with screens and do your best to keep a safe distance. It helps to have
a proper chair, which can be bought at a budget price thanks to a 10% off coupon or other promos.
4. Use Larger Fonts
The smaller your fonts, the more strain you are placing on your eyes. While some may tease and mock
you for using larger fonts when it is time to read or have a lengthy interaction with a screen, using
smaller fonts decreases the strain on your eyeballs.
5. Don’t Forget To Blink!
This one may seem obvious, but spending too much time in front of screens can actually make a
person forget to blink on a regular basis. Be sure to blink, before your eyeballs begin to dry out and the
strain is increased.
6. Keep Lights Dim
If you are using a screen, it is best to keep the other lights in the room at a dim level. When multiple
lights are competing for your attention, this causes added strain for your eyes, so reduce the amount
of dueling lights in each room.
7. Take Breaks
Adhere to the 20/20 rule of gazing at screens. For every 20 minutes you are spending peering into a
computer, television or smartphone, take at least 20 seconds to stare at a different object that is at
least 20 feet away.