Tips to reduce digital overload on the eye

NEW DELHI: If you are dealing with symptoms such as red, watery and itchy eyes, frequent headaches and visual fatigue, you are not alone! With constant exposure to digital devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, ereaders etc, a large number of people are experiencing increase in symptoms of eye fatigue in recent times, says Shivkumar J, CEO, Essilor India. While digital devices are here to stay, Essilor has taken note of the trend to come up with products to protect you from the impact of digital overload, consumers also need to follow some basic measures to counter rising visual fatigue. Here are some essential tips: Take frequent breaks from your computer: While it may not be possible to reduce their usage, frequent breaks can be taken in between to give some rest to the eyes. Also important is to just stand up from your desk every hour and look away from the computer for a few minutes. Minimize Glare: Excessive glare on your monitor adds to the eye strain. Try to reduce reflections in your surroundings by using window blinds, avoiding bright light sources in your room, and installing glare filters on your monitor screen. Reduce social media addiction: While a bulk of our digital exposure comes from essential work, a major part of it also due to our constant addiction to social media networks. Restrict your addiction, and you can reduce almost an hour of unnecessary exposure every day. Use protective eyewear: Use spectacle lenses customized to the need of the times, which can offer prevention and protection for your eyes against digital overload, harmful blue light, strain and fatigue. Never carry your smartphone to bed: Make sure you keep your phone away at least half an hour before going to bed; get rid of the habit of lurking on to social media channels before falling asleep.