Is working on your computer all day long giving you headaches or eye strain? Are you experiencing blurry vision when reading on the computer? Are you having trouble adjusting your focus when looking at the computer or away from it? Are you waking up with blurry vision?
During the COVID-19 crisis, our world shifted to a more virtual platform, using technology as a means to connect and communicate with others around you. This is leading to a society with poor visual habits, and some are realizing that their eyes are having trouble coping with their new world.
If you are experiencing problems when staring at the computer screen, it is important to visit our clinic and book an exam highlighting your computer concerns so we can perform a thorough visual skills exam that focuses on your focusing and tracking skills, compared to a standard eye exam.
In the meantime, I would recommend the following to help you during this time:
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Take frequent breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something past 20 feet away.
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Go for a 15-minute walk outside to get some sunshine to help reset your eyes from being inside staring at a screen and absorbing all those artificial lights.
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Stretch your eyes and body. Your eyes and body are connected. Stretching your eyes can loosen up your body, and stretching your body can relax your eyes.
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Close your eyes for 5 minutes and breathe. I would focus on breathing in for 5 seconds and breathing out for 5 seconds. This will help relax your brain to allow your eyes to move more naturally.
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Sleep before 11 p.m. every night (the earlier, the better) and wake up when your body is ready to wake up to ensure that it is well rested. This is a perfect time to rest your body and slow it down so that it can recover from your fast-paced life.
Written by Dr. Fabian Tai