A survey found that Canadians stare at a screen on average 11 hours daily. So, it's not surprising that complaints of eye strain and headaches are commonplace in the offices of optometrists in Windsor.
Realistically, we're not going to be able to escape the use of computers and phones. That means we’re going to have to seek more reasonable solutions. Let's examine three practical eye health solutions in Windsor available to everyone.
Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Research shows that part of the light spectrum, specifically blue light, emitted by computers and smartphones tires the human eye faster than other bands of light. Therefore, a primary issue caused by blue light is fatigue or eye strain.
Blocking the blue light coming from the screen can relieve the problem. One convenient way to accomplish this is with blue light-blocking glasses, one of our most popular eye clinic services at Bellemore Optometry.
You wear them like your regular prescription glasses, but you have the assurance that they also keep your device's blue light from overworking your eyes. Blue light blocking glasses offer one of the most practical eye health solutions in Windsor.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Now let's look at what you can do to help before ever visiting a Windsor eye clinic such as Bellemore Optometry and Eyes on Tecumseh. You may have heard of the 20-20-20 rule, but did you know there are two versions? Both combat eye strain and headaches, but in different ways.
The rule gives your eyes a rest from staring at a screen that is usually only a few inches from your face. The first version involves taking a break from the screen every 20 minutes. Find an object 20 feet away from you and focus on it for 20 seconds.
The second version of the 20-20-20 rule also doesn't involve eye clinic procedures. In addition to giving your eyes a rest, it helps to keep them properly lubricated.
Have you ever noticed that you blink less often when you’re looking at a screen? Unfortunately, a reduction in blinking dries out the eyes, making them more vulnerable to eye strain.
That's why the second version of the 20-20-20 rule tells you to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to blink 20 times. If you need additional help keeping your eyes moist, there are eye drops we can recommend during your next visit to our office or you can book a dry eye appointment.
Adjust Your Screens
The third of our eye health solutions for screen users involves adjusting your computer and phone to ease eye strain. One of the simplest adjustments you can make without visiting an eye clinic is to reduce the screen's brightness.
You can also avoid reading websites where there's not enough contrast between the text and the background. There are browser extensions that will allow you to convert a hard-to-read site into one where simple black text appears on a standard white background.
Let Us Help You With Eye Health Solutions in Windsor
Take advantage of our experience with eye health solutions in Windsor. We know you can't avoid using your computers and phones despite the risk of eye strain and headaches.
That's why we focus on the most effective ways to help you maintain good vision while safely using your devices. You can protect your vision today by scheduling an appointment with Bellemore Optometry or Eyes on Tecumseh.