DIGITAL EYE FATIGUE

The average screen time in the U.S. is over seven hours per day2. If you're using a digital device for more than two hours at a time, practice these habits to help ease the effects of blue light, prevent eye discomfort and fight digital eye fatigue:

• Break up your screen time. Make the 20-20-20 rule a habit. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
• Revamp your workstation. You should be close enough to high-five the screen. Sit in your chair and extend your arm so your palm is resting comfortably on the monitor; it should be about 20 to 26 inches away. Good posture prevents an achy back, shoulders and neck.
• Adjust your screen position. Reduce computer eye fatigue by positioning the screen directly in front of your face — never tilted — and slightly below eye level.
• Get the right lighting. Reduce overhead and surrounding light; it competes with your screen and makes your eyes work harder to see. Use indirect light sources to reduce glare.
• Personalize your computer display settings. Bump up the text size and adjust the screen brightness. You can even adjust the color temperature.
• Blink often. Remind yourself to blink to reduce dryness in your eyes. This is one of the most important tips. Breathe. Blink. Breathe. Blink.
• Do not take phones and tablets to bed. Avoid using digital devices an hour before trying to sleep.
• Get an eye exam. Be sure to tell your doctor how much time you spend in front of a computer or device. Your eye doctor can evaluate any symptoms of digital eye fatigue and discuss lens options or lifestyle changes to avoid future discomfort.

Many adults who use digital devices regularly and experience eye discomfort do little, if anything, to ease their symptoms. Schedule an eye exam to make sure you're doing everything you can to reduce digital eye fatigue symptoms.