Tips to keep your eyes fit and healthy

Early morning starts and late evenings spent in front of a computer and smart phone screen have become the norm for today’s busy office worker.

All that time in front of a bright screen coupled with air conditioning, heating and bright room lighting can have a negative impact on your eyes. In fact, extensive use of computers can lead to computer vision syndrome (CVS), where eyes become dry, tired and even strained.

While not causing any permanent damage, common symptoms of CVS – including eye fatigue, physical tiredness, eye twitching and red eyes – can cause discomfort and irritation in the short term.

In addition, use of digital screens often limits the amount of time that we blink, therefore denying our eyes the hydration they need to stay moist and healthy. Dry eye syndrome is when our eyes have become dried out, as a result of tear ducts no longer producing adequate natural tears that our eyes need.

Here are some tips from Anish Mathur, eye care expert at Feel Good Contacts, on how to avoid CVS and dry eye syndrome and keep your eyes in mint condition all day.

Blink regularly

When you’re deeply focused on a task, you tend to blink less. If you’re not blinking enough, your eyes are not receiving regular hydration and moisture from your tears. As a result, your eyes will begin to feel dry and irritated.

Get into the habit of deliberately blinking more often. Don’t worry if you look odd suddenly bursting into 100 blinks a minute – your eyes will thank you for it.

I always follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

Watch the brightness of your computer screen

If it’s set to the highest setting, turn it down slightly and see if it makes any difference to how your eyes feel. An incredibly bright screen can be harsh on the eyes, so minimise glare by dusting your computer monitor and investing in an anti-reflection cover. Also take note of the lighting around your computer. Try to create equal brightness in your workspace so there’s no shadowy areas or glare from lamps.

Take a break

A five to 10-minute coffee break can work wonders. Give both yourself and your eyes a rest from your computer screen so you’re not too burnt out by the end of the day.

When you do get back to your desk from your break, make sure that you’re not too close or too far from the screen. Your overall workstation set-up plays a role in your eye health. So being too close or far will cause eye strain.

I recommend positioning monitors at least 50cm from eyes with the centre of the screen about 10 to 15 degrees below the eyes. That way, the light won’t be so intense and you won’t be craning your neck. Wear the right contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses and you’re suffering from dry eyes, then you may want to opt for a silicone hydrogel lens. Dailies Total 1 is a daily disposable silicone hydrogel lens that offers a high level of hydration, clarity and comfort, as well as 16 hours of wearing time. This makes them perfect for long days in front of the computer screen and late nights finishing off reports.

But of course, if you plan to make changes to your lenses, then consult your eye care practitioner.

Eye drops

If you’re on the move, then eye drops for dry eyes are ideal. They are small pocket-sized vials that contain enough drops to rehydrate and awaken your eyes. You also get wipes and eye mist.

Don’t forget H20

Make sure you drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration, which, aside from making your eyes feel dry, will make you feel drained overall.

Take regular breaks at work to keep your eyes in mint condition.