Today, most of us are depending upon smart phones, computers, tabs and other digital devices for recreation, education as well as work. Pen and paper has been replaced by digital backlit screens and this transformation has become a stressful change for our eyes. Our eyes find it hard to keep up with these digital devices that emit blue lights.

These blue lights are responsible for Computer Vision Syndrome which is a collection of eye problems that arise from use of digital devices. These problems that arise from overuse of digital devices and mobile phones are headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, red eyes, irritation of the eyes, eye straining, neck and back ache, dry eyes and more. Even if you work on the computer for two hours a day, then you can experience these symptoms. Children working on computers or engaged with smartphones for long hours can also experience these side effects.

So, what can you do to reduce the risk of eye damage and keep your eyes feeling at ease while you work on the smartphones? You can improve your eye’s response to smart phone screens by lowering your screen brightness to auto or reduce it manually to a settings where you can optimally view text and images without straining. Also wearing specially designed computer glasses can reduce your eye problems. These computer glasses are designed to provide your eyes comfortable vision while working on computers and they also fare well for Smartphone users .

Computer glasses contain special tinted coatings that reduce the amount of blue light that passes onto the eyes and fairly reduces the amount of blue light penetrating the lens. Blue light, when entering the eyes, focuses on a point in front of the retina wall. This forces the eyes to constantly shift and fix the focus point. While the blue light focuses in front of the retina, other colored wavelengths focus on the retina itself, making it tiring for the eyes to constantly shift its focus to keep the object in front clear. We don’t realize the swift actions of our eyes and feel they are not affected by the overuse of smart phones but constant looking at a source of harmful blue –violet light is really harmful for the eyes. So, the best thing to do for your eyes is to keep your smartphone usage hours as little as possible. Here are some quick steps to keep your eyes healthy when you’re using smart phones on a daily basis:

• Use the Lowest brightness settings
• Use Smartphone in well lit areas
• Wear Specially treated computer glasses to reduce blue-violet light
• Include Anti-Glare coating in your glasses to reduce reflection and glares
• Keep smart phones as far as possible from your eyes without having to strain your eyes
• Every 20 minutes of Smartphone usage, shift your eyes from the Smartphone to an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• If you experience dry eyes, use artificial tears or eye drops after consulting your doctor
• If you feel your vision is getting disturbed while working on the computer get an eye checkup done. Even if you feel your eyes are fine, get a routing eye checkup every six months.

So, with these few tips you will feel that your eyes are safer while you work on your smartphones.

Comprehensive Eye Exam: It is extremely important that you get your eyes checked from time to time. You can treat and prevent several vision problems. During the examination it is essential to inform your doctor on how often you use a computer.

 Use adequate lights: Eye strain is caused by bright light too. Whether it is from the outdoor sunlight or from harsh interior lighting. Hence, when you are using your computer the brightness and contrast should be reduced. Make sure that the positioning of your PC is such that the windows are on the side instead of in the front. Many users feel that their eyes are comfortable when they are not working under overhead fluorescent lights. Hence, make sure that you don’t have overhead lighting at your home or workspace.

Reduce glare: Reflections on your computer screen can cause computer eye strain. Hence, you can consider of installing an anti-glare screen on the monitor. However, you can you also cover the windows with thick heavy curtains so that no outside light can reflect on your screen.

Upgrade Your Display: If you have not done this then it is high time that you replace your old monitor with an LCD display. These screens are easier on the eyes and come with an anti-reflective surface. When you are making a purchase choose a screen that comes with the highest resolution possible. Opt for a comparatively large display and adjust your settings in terms of color temperature, texture contrast and size and brightness.

Blink Often: Blinking often will definitely be beneficial when you are working in front of a computer. This process moistens your eyes and prevents it from any kind of irritation and dryness. People usually blink less frequently. Tears covering the eyes usually evaporate during phases when you are not blinking. This may often cause dry eyes. Hence, you can opt to use lubricating eye drops to keep them moistened. You must blink 10 times by closing your eyes very slowly every 20 minutes. This helps in keeping your eyes wet.

Splash Water: If you are feeling that your eyes are burning, then you must go to the rest room to splash some cold water over your eyes. Let the water dry slowly on its own before you start working again.

Take frequent breaks: It is important to reduce the risk of Computer Vision Syndrome by taking frequent breaks. According to studies, it has shown that computer eye strain and discomfort is reduced when computer workers took two 15 minute breaks and also additional five minutes mini breaks throughout their workday.

Exercise your eyes: Reduce your risk of tiring your eyes by looking away from your computer every 20 minutes and gazing at a distance for around 20 seconds or so. Another exercise would be to gaze at a distant object for 10 seconds and then at something up close. Repeat this process 10 times. This will reduce the risk of a condition called accommodative spasm and give you eye strain relief.

Adapt your workstation: If you have to look back and forth from your computer screen to a printed page then it would be better if it stands adjacent to the monitor. Use a desk lamp but ensure that it’s not shining on your eyes. Improper posture can also contribute to strain and CVS. Raise your chair to the correct height and position your computer screen at least 2 feet away from your eyes.

Consider computer eyeglasses: For the ultimate eye strain relief and prevention you might consider of opting for glasses with anti-reflective coating. This reduces the glare which reflects from the back and front of your lenses. However, if you are wearing contact lenses then it is important that you change into glasses as sustained work in front of the computer can make your eyes uncomfortable and dry. Whether you are opting for progressive lenses or bifocals computer glasses are a great choice.

Hence, if you want to keep your eyes protected from the harmful effects of the computer strain then it is of utmost importance that you follow the above stated points. You will not only benefit in relieving from the strain but also keep them in perfect condition for a long time.

About Jayita Chanda: For the last 6 years I have been involved in the optical industry and my love for fashionable eye wear and passion for writing has helped me in providing quality write-ups as a content writer of GKBOptical.com. Find me on Google+