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How to prevent eye strain from computers

How to prevent eye strain from computers

idealmedhealth | August 8th, 2023


It is no longer news that most people spend the day looking at computers, mobile phones, and tablets. This makes this article about how to prevent eye strain from computers an invaluable piece.

Eye strain from prolonged computer use, often termed Computer Vision Syndrome or Digital Eye Strain, is a common issue in today’s digital world, although I gave detailed information about this later in the article.

Staying off from excessive use of your computer would have been a great idea but a lot of us earn a living from our computer and there are many factors that contribute to this ugly experience.

Factors that can Cause eyestrain

There are several factors that can contribute to eyestrain from computer use:

  • Blue light exposure: Computer screens emit blue light, which can cause eye fatigue and strain. Prolonged exposure to blue light can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to digital eye strain.
  • Screen glare: Glare from the screen or surrounding lighting can cause eyestrain. Reflections and bright light sources can make it difficult to focus on the screen, leading to eye fatigue.
  • Improper viewing distance: Sitting too close or too far from the computer screen can strain the eyes. The recommended viewing distance is about 20-28 inches from the screen.
  • Poor posture: Sitting in an uncomfortable or incorrect posture while using the computer can contribute to eyestrain. Slouching or leaning too close to the screen can strain the eyes and neck muscles.
  • Lack of breaks: Staring at a computer screen for long periods without taking breaks can strain the eyes.
  • Uncorrected vision problems: If you have an underlying vision problem, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, it can contribute to eyestrain when using a computer. Not wearing the correct prescription glasses or contact lenses can exacerbate the issue.
  • Dry eyes: Staring at a computer screen can reduce blinking, leading to dry eyes. This can cause discomfort, redness, and eyestrain.

How to prevent eye strain from computers

Here is where my cardinal interest lies. A preventive approach is better than a curative that is one of the reasons you have to pay rapt attention to these I am about to review with you.

Having looked at the factors that contribute to causing eye strain while using the computer, It is essential to know the preventive approaches.

20-20-20 Rule

For every 20 minutes spent looking at a computer screen, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help to rest your eyes.

Take regular breaks from staring at the computer screen. It is recommended to adhere to the 20-20-20 rule.

Proper Lighting

Eye strain often is caused by excessively bright light either from outdoor sunlight coming in through a window or from harsh interior lighting. When you use a computer, your ambient lighting should be about half as bright as that typically found in most offices.

Minimize Glare

Glare on walls and finished surfaces, as well as reflections on your computer screen, also can cause computer eye strain.

Consider installing an anti-glare screen on your monitor and, if possible, paint bright white walls a darker color with a matte finish.

Adjust Display Settings

Adjust the brightness, text size, and contrast on your computer screen so that it becomes comfortable to read. The brightness should be the same as the surrounding workstation.

Blink More Often

Blinking is very important when working at a computer; blinking moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly when looking at a screen.

Staring at a computer screen often leads to reduced blinking, which can cause dry eyes and eye strain.

Exercise Your Eyes

Look far away at an object for 10-15 seconds, then gaze at something up close for 10-15 seconds. Then look back at the distant object. Do this a few times. This can help to prevent focusing fatigue.

Modify Your Workstation

Ideally, your screen should be 20 to 24 inches from your eyes and the center of the screen should be 10 to 15 degrees below your eye level.

Consider Computer Eyewear

For the greatest comfort at your computer, you might benefit from having your eye care professional modify your eyeglasses prescription to create customized computer glasses.

This is especially true if you normally wear contact lenses, which may become dry and uncomfortable during sustained computer work.

Take Frequent Breaks

Give your eyes a break by standing or walking around every half hour or so.

Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet

Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, C and E.

Get Regular Eye Exams

This is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision problems. During your exam, be sure to tell your eye doctor how often you use a computer and digital devices at work and at home.

How to prevent eye strain from computers
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/

Is digital eye strain permanent?

Digital eye strain is typically not permanent. It is a temporary condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to digital screens such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.

Symptoms of digital eye strain may include eye discomfort, dryness, redness, blurred vision, and headaches as earlier mentioned. Taking regular breaks, practicing good eye hygiene, adjusting screen settings, and using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help alleviate the symptoms.

Computer vision syndrome treatment

See below for the different treatment options available for computer vision syndrome (CVS)

  1. Rest your eyes, and take regular breaks from staring at the computer screen.
  2. Always ensure that your computer screen is positioned at eye level and about 20-28 inches away from your eyes. Use an ergonomic chair and adjust the lighting to reduce glare and reflections.
  3. Endeavor to blink frequently, people tend to blink less when using digital screens, which can lead to dry eyes.
  4. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help relieve dryness and irritation in the eyes. Use them as directed or consult with an eye care professional.
  5. Specialized glasses designed for computer use can help reduce eye strain by optimizing the focus and reducing glare from the screen.
  6. In some cases, vision therapy may be recommended by an eye care professional. This involves a series of exercises and techniques to improve eye coordination and focus.
  7. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, an updated prescription may be necessary to optimize your vision for computer use. An eye care professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your specific needs if you are experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

How long does eye strain last?

The duration of eye strain can vary depending on the person and the underlying cause. In some cases, eye strain may only last a few hours or a day, while in other cases it may persist for several days or weeks.

It is important to rest your eyes and practice good eye care habits to help alleviate and prevent eye strain. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult with an eye care professional for further evaluation and guidance.

FAQs about How to prevent eye strain from computers

See below for the answers to some of the most asked questions relating to eye strain from computer usage;

1. What is eye strain?

Eye strain is a common condition that occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as working on a computer or driving for extended periods of time. It can cause discomfort, headache, soreness, blurred vision, and other symptoms.

2. What causes eye strain?

Eye strain can be caused by several factors, including prolonged exposure to digital screens, reading for long periods, exposure to bright light or glare, straining to see in very dim light, and underlying eye conditions.

3. How important is lighting in preventing eye strain?

Lighting is very important in preventing eye strain. Too much light or glare can cause eye strain, as can too little light when you’re doing tasks that require a lot of visual effort. It’s best to use lighting that’s bright enough for you to see clearly but not so bright that it causes glare on screens or other surfaces.

4. Can glasses or contact lenses help prevent eye strain?

Yes, if you’re experiencing eye strain and you need glasses or contact lenses but aren’t using them, or if your prescription is outdated, this can contribute to eye strain. Some people may also benefit from glasses specifically designed for computer use. An eye doctor can help determine if this is a good option for you.

5. How often should I take breaks to prevent eye strain?

As a rule of thumb, you should try to take a break from looking at screens or doing other visually intense tasks every 20 minutes. Even short breaks can make a big difference in reducing eye strain.

6. Are there any exercises that can help prevent eye strain?

Yes, eye exercises can help prevent eye strain. One simple exercise is to look away from your screen and focus on a distant object for a few seconds, then focus on a nearby object. Repeat this a few times. Another exercise is to close your eyes and roll them in a circular motion, first in one direction, then in the other.

7. Does screen brightness affect eye strain?

Yes, screen brightness can affect eye strain. If your screen is too bright or too dark compared to the surrounding light in the room, it can cause eye strain. The brightness of your screen should match the light level in your environment.

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Cheapest Places to get Glasses without Insurance

Cheapest Places to get Glasses without Insurance

chibueze uchegbu | June 22nd, 2022


Today, the Cheapest Places to get Glasses without Insurance would be looked into. Kindly sit tight and read to the last dot of this article.

Are you forward to getting glasses but worried about the hundreds of dollars you may spend due to a lack of vision insurance? Then worry no more as there are many places you get your glasses without having vision insurance.

Cheapest Places to get Glasses without Insurance

In this article, you’ll discover places where you can get eyeglasses without having insurance. Though many of these plugs accept vision insurance, even if you don’t have it, you’re still good to go when you opt for any of the places mentioned below:

  • Costco Optical
Address: 25 Wayne Squibb Blvd, Fredericton, NB E3C 0G8, Canada
Phone: +1 506-460-4100

This is one of the places where you can rest assured of getting quality glasses for your troubled eyes. Unlike some optical stores, Costco Optical offers cheap eyeglasses and sunglasses for people without any vision insurance.

Another perk about Costco Optical is that you get to select brands and styles you prefer from other brands that are available. It stands among the Cheapest Places to get Glasses without Insurance.

You’ll also get a medical assessment from experts who are not only highly trained but with the required experience to give an accurate prescription.

If you desire the newest options such as the polarized, blue anti-reflective, and multi-functional lenses, you’re sure to get them at Costco Optical. One good thing about these lenses is that you can build the perfect lenses for your eyes while using new frames to hold the lenses.

Note that you’re at liberty to choose what style of lenses you’d prefer at Costco Optical and you also need not worry if you do not have vision insurance because this brand gets you covered.

  • Sam’s Club optical

Another optical that’s reliable with regards to the affordability of its eyeglasses is the Sam’s Club Optical.

The store offers cheap eyeglasses coupled with professional opticians to guide you through the process of selecting lens style, materials, and any necessary add-on options to make your experience great.

Once you’re a member of the Sam’s Club Optical, you’ll have access to exclusive shopping at a members-only eye center. You also get to have a one-on-one section with a trained and experienced optician who will help with the correct prescription.

Sam’s Club Optical also has a fast turnaround compared to many optical plugs out there today, thus making your quest of building a custom of glasses easy and faster. Are you also interested in a designer frame for your lenses? Sam’s Club Optical gets you covered.

Walmart Vision Center

If you’re looking for the most available and affordable center where you can get your eyeglasses and sunglasses, Walmart Vision Center is your next stop.

Walmart is the largest retail store in the US, you’re sure of the many networks of its optical centers around.

You don’t necessarily need vision insurance before you could walk into any of Walmart’s vision centers for your eyeglasses. The idea of the whole company rests solidly on offering affordable and high-quality eyeglasses for people who need them.

You’ll also get to meet an optometrist who l be able to share with you a better understanding of the type of glasses that fit your eye condition. This way the advisory services help to keep your eyes healthy and in full recovery mode, unlike those brands that offer the products only without giving any advice on how to use them.

Like a few other optical centers, you can get your eyeglasses here without any membership or insurance coverage. This means you don’t have to know anyone or have any privileges before you attend Walmart Vision Center.

  • Eyeconic

Eyeconic is another optical center you can be sure of getting different types of eyeglasses without having any insurance. Glasses from this optical center are trusted and proven as the enterprise has many professional doctors who take their time to test whatever glasses you’re opting for.

At Eyeconic, you’re sure of getting perfect-for-you eyeglasses that are of quality materials and of course sleek.

With or without vision insurance, Eyeconic cares less about that. All you need to do is walk into their store, and take advantage of personalized assistance and eye examination by meeting the in-house optometrist. This way you’re sure that the eyeglasses you’re getting are what fit your needs and requirements.

  • Warby Parker

Another popularly known eyewear company is the Warby Parker. The enterprise was created by Warby and Parker who were students at the time.

One of them lost his eyewear and because of that, he created Warby Parker in partnership with his friend to cater to the people’s eyeglasses without having to spend more.

Being a popular company, you can always find Warby Parker in almost every city in the US. This means you won’t have to travel to another city before getting your eyeglasses. You won’t have to break the bank when you choose Warby Parker for your eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Another perk of choosing Warby Parker is that there is a try-on-at-home program that the enterprise offers, which is rare with any optical ventures today. With the company’s buy a pair, give a pair program as well, you can support a needy person by buying pairs of eyeglasses without having to own vision insurance.

  • GlassesShop

An optical center that has delivered millions of eyeglasses since its inception is GlassesShop. This is due to the high level of quality the enterprise has maintained over the years. The American-owned and operated organization boosts unbeatable customer services and an affordable pricing structure.

GlassesShop is one of the reputable online optical center where you’re sure of getting high-quality eyeglasses at affordable prices, most times lower than what you get at any brick and mortal shop. You’ll also have the chance of experiencing amazing customer support if you opt for this optical plug.

Although some people might have an issue that GlassesShop doesn’t offer contact lenses, overall, you’re sure of getting the best of eyeglasses at this plug. If you’re someone who would like to seek information about the best eyeglasses for your eyes, GlassesShop can provide this assistance as well.

The low prices from shipping directly from the manufacturer allow GlassesShop.com to offer affordable eyeglasses for those with and without insurance.

If you need to get more information about the best types of glasses for you, check out the tips and guide section to learn more from the eye experts at GlassesShop.

Final thoughts on the Cheapest Places to get Glasses without Insurance

If you’re looking for proven places where you can buy or replace eyeglasses without possessing vision insurance, the list above will surely make the difference.

For many people, getting a new pair of eyeglasses seems like rocket science because they believe it’s a must to have vision insurance to be able to buy one.

To lay it bare again, there are a ton of places where you can get cheap eyeglasses without having insurance. So no worries about the monetary aspect of vision insurance again, as you’ve got to do is visit one of the places mentioned in this article and get your high-quality eyeglasses.

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differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist

Best 6 differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist

Pharm. Somtochukwu | September 13th, 2021


The differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist are crystal clear and need not confuse you.

Oftentimes, people misunderstand these terms primarily because both deals with vision but there are a lot of differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist.

These differences may range from qualification, salary, function, and others.

Have you ever been in need of your eye care specialist? If yes, you will understand better and perfectly well the differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist. Both have their unique functions and requirements for those specialties.

How do you know which provider you should choose for your eye care? However, knowing the difference between optometrist and ophthalmologist is a proper guide depending on the service you need.

Overview of the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists

Is no doubt that most people who are not medically inclined get confused about the differences between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Though they both deal with eye care, there are several common misconceptions between the two terms.

Ophthalmologists and optometrists both play an important role in providing eye care but their levels of training and expertise are quite different.

differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist

Optometrists are eye care professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes whereas an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.

Difference between optometrist and ophthalmologist based on level of academic acquisition

Optometrists receive a doctor of optometry (OD) degree after completing four years of optometry school, preceded by at least three years of college. Depending on the country of study and the institution, some countries allow their students to spend 5-6 years of study in general before they will be awarded the doctor of optometry.

They are licensed to practice optometry which primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases.

Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery.

Difference between optometrist and ophthalmologist based on service they render

An optometrist works on less serious eye cases they are referred to as doctors however they are not medical doctors. They provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. However, they can equally perform minor eye surgeries depending on the level of practice.

differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist

While ophthalmologists are trained to care for all eye problems and conditions, some specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care.

This type of ophthalmologist is called a subspecialist. They usually complete one or two years of additional, more in-depth training in one of the main subspecialty areas such as glaucoma, retina, cornea, pediatrics, as well as others.

This added training and knowledge prepares an ophthalmologist to take care of more complex or specific conditions in certain areas of the eye or in certain groups of patients than an optometrist.

Your sight depends on seeing the right eye doctor at the right time so it’s important to know the difference between these eye professionals.

An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems.

Differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist based on salary range

Among the differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist, salary is a great factor to be considered however, there are variations in salary depending on the health institution one is working in.

In 2018, the median salary for optometrists was $111,790, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist

However, on a general consideration, an ophthalmologist will earn higher than an optometrist if both are on the same grade and working at the same health institution.

In 2018, the average salary for ophthalmologists was $290,777 according to Salary.com.

Differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist based on specific functions

Optometrist (OD): Vision Care and Eye Care Services
  • Perform eye exams and vision tests
  • Manage and treat conditions like Dry Eye and glaucoma
  • Provide low-vision aids and vision therapy
  • Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses
  • Monitor medically related eye conditions related to diseases like diabetes
Ophthalmologist: Medical and Surgical Eye Care
  • Vision services, including eye exams
  • Medical eye care for conditions like glaucoma, iritis, and chemical burns
  • Surgical eye care for trauma, crossed eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems
  • Diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions related to other diseases, like diabetes or arthritis
  • Plastic surgery to raise droopy eyelids or smooth out wrinkles

Differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist based on level of surgeries they perform

Is essential to note that both optometrists and ophthalmologists can perform eye surgery depending on the medical law of a territory and the level of academic acquisition.

However, optometrists are limited in the surgeries they can perform depending on severity while ophthalmologists can perform any and all surgical depending on specialty.

Differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist based on duration spent in health or medical school

Different states and countries have different rules governing their health and medical institutions. On a general note, the time ophthalmologist spend in medical school are higher compared to that an optometrist will spend in the school of health.

Find out the duration of your study from the institution of your choice to know the exact duration of the study.

Can an optometrist become an ophthalmologist?

An optometrist can become an ophthalmologist. However, this comes with a different training entirely.

The academic requirements for you to be an optometrist include a DO (doctor of optometry) degree, which does not transfer to the field of ophthalmology.

To become an ophthalmologist, you must complete an MD or Ph.D. degree program, a residency in ophthalmology, and all the requirements for your state to become a licensed ophthalmologist.  As an optometrist who wishes to become an ophthalmologist, you will need to go to medical school for training.

Another term of consideration in the differences between optometrist and ophthalmologist

When you wish to take care of your eyes or have any vision impairment, aside optometrist and ophthalmologist, and term of consideration is the optician. You can visit an optician for routine care, adjustment, and refilling of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Optician differs from optometrist and ophthalmologist in so many ways ranging from functions, training, salary recognition, and others. An optician is more like a customer service representative who works in a vision care store or an optometrist’s office.

 

An optician can become certified by completing a 1- to 2-year program, such as an associate’s program in ophthalmic dispensing, or may also become certified through an in-house apprenticeship under an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Opticians can also answer general eye care questions, but they cannot examine, diagnose, treat diseases or perform any eye surgery either minor or major.

Conclusion

Knowing the differences between optometrist, ophthalmologist, and optician will go a long way in helping you find the right person for your eye care. Also, it will assist you in your career choice.

Those professions are of utmost importance in every society and therefore, are to be supported at all levels.

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