post by Michelle Griep
You know those websites where there's a black background and white type? After you read them for a few minutes and then look away from the screen, do your eyes go wonky? Because mine do, and I'm wondering if I've got short-circuited eyeballs or if that's a normal opthalmic response.
Either way, it got me to thinking about all the time people spend nowadays staring at screens and how that's probably not too good for our peepers. So, I did a little research and you get to reap the benefits.
5 Ways to Avoid Digital Eye Strain
#1. Brighten things up.
Not the screen, necessarily. I'm talking about the room. Make sure to have a light on while using your computer because it helps reduce the strain.
#2. Position is everything.
Sometimes when I'm looking at Pinterest, I practically smash my nose against the screen to get a really good look at a cute pair of shoes. Naughty, naughty. The ultimate distance between your shnoz and the screen should be around 20-28 inches.
#3. Change your focus.
Every 15 minutes or so, look away from the screen and focus on a distant object. This gives your ol' focusing muscles a bit of a workout.
#4. Bat those eyelashes.
It's a fact that your blink rate decreases as you stare fixated at a screen. Make a conscious effort to blink every 10-15 seconds. This coats the front part of your eye, nourishing the area with oxygen and nutrients and sharpens your vision.
#5. Go to your happy place.
Close your eyes and put the centers of your palms over your eyes. Relax by taking some deep, slow breaths. This one is my personal favorite. Try it. You'll love it.
These are just a few tips. If you're interested in finding out more, check out this article by Dr. Edward Kondrot, founder of The Healing Eye and Wellness Center.
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like yesterday, when i really wanted to take a nap, but friends were coming over, so i sat outside and stared at the trees across the street. yeah, that!
ReplyDeleteSo true! I've found that my eyes strain more when the computer screen is the only light in the room. I've done #5 and it really works!
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Sometimes I swear my eyes are square after proofing my book online or going through it with the "non-printable characters." Or sometimes I'm afraid my tired eyeballs will just fall out and roll across the floor. Thanks, Michelle, for sharing these simple but effective tips to relieve eye strain. It's all part of the writing life.
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