

Creating a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.įor eyestrain, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Keep a daily log of the time you spend on activities that strain your eyes, such as looking at digital devices, reading and being exposed to glare.List your key medical information, including any other medical conditions and any medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.List any symptoms you've been having and for how long.Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. If you have eye discomfort, headache or vision changes that don't improve with self-care, make an appointment with your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you're considering supplements to help relieve your signs and symptoms. Some eyestrain symptoms may be relieved by natural products, such as bilberry extract and omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, but further study is needed. And adjust the contrast and brightness to a level that's comfortable for you. The goal is to reduce how much your eyes need to readjust and how often you turn your neck and head. Some holders are designed to be placed between the keyboard and monitor others are placed to the side. If you need to refer to print material while you work on your computer, place it on a document holder. It helps to have a chair you can adjust too. Position your monitor directly in front of you about an arm's length away so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. Place an anti-glare cover over the screen. Close blinds or shades, and avoid placing your monitor directly in front of a window or white wall. If you need light for writing or reading, use an adjustable desk lamp. Consider turning off some or all of the overhead lights. The worst problems are generally from sources above or behind you, including fluorescent lighting and sunlight. Bright lighting and too much glare can strain your eyes and make it difficult to see objects on your monitor. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.Ĭheck the lighting and reduce glare. Throughout the day, give your eyes a break by looking away from your monitor. Try to make it a habit to blink more often when looking at a monitor. Blinking produces tears that moisten and refresh your eyes. Many people blink less than usual when working at a computer, which can contribute to dry eyes. If you work at a desk and use a computer, these self-care steps can help take some of the strain off your eyes. Ask your optometrist about lens coatings and tints that might help too.Ĭomputer use is a common cause of eyestrain.

If you need glasses or contacts and work at a computer, consider investing in glasses or contact lenses designed specifically for computer work. Moving your chair to a different area may help reduce the amount of dry moving air on your eyes and face. Some changes that may help prevent dry eyes include using a humidifier, adjusting the thermostat to reduce blowing air and avoiding smoke. Improve the air quality of your space.Avoid eyedrops with a redness remover, as these may worsen dry eye symptoms. If the drops you're using contain preservatives, don't use them more than four times a day. Lubricating drops that don't contain preservatives can be used as often as you need. Your doctor can suggest which eyedrops might be best for you. Use them even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well-lubricated and prevent a recurrence of symptoms. Over-the-counter artificial tears can help prevent and relieve dry eyes. This is especially important for children, who may not make the connection between extended viewing, eyestrain and the need to rest their eyes regularly. When doing close work, take occasional breaks and rest your eyes by looking away from the digital screen. The shade will keep light from shining directly into your eyes. If you're reading at a desk, use a shaded light positioned in front of you. When reading printed materials or doing close work, try to position the light source behind you and direct the light onto your page or task. When watching television, it may be easier on your eyes if you keep the room softly lit. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Lifestyle and home remediesĬonsider these tips to reduce or prevent eyestrain.Īdjust the lighting.
