Digital devices affect our blinking rate and can lead to digital eye strain. In the United States, nearly 70 percent of adults suffer from digital eye strain due to prolonged use of electronic devices.

The more time we spend on our digital devices, the less frequently and fully we blink. When we don't blink frequently, the front end of our eye becomes improperly lubricated, resulting in dry eyes.

How can you reduce digital eye strain?

You can reduce digital eye strain by being mindful of the following tips: 

• Artificial tears can be used to lubricate your eyes
• It is also important to follow the rule of 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. To put it simply, take breaks from your computer
• You can also reduce the glare on your computer to prevent digital eye strain. A matte anti-glare filter can be added to your computer screen, or if you wear glasses, an anti-glare coating can be applied to your glasses
• Perform different blinking exercises to ensure that your eyes are getting the proper natural lubrication from your tears

What are the different blinking exercises you can do to reduce digital eye strain and dry eye?

It is highly advisable to work on blinking exercises because patients who look at computer screens or any sort of digital device tend to blink 75% less. And the blinks are more incomplete compared to if you were just reading off of a printed document.

Now let's discuss some different blinking exercises.

Blinking exercises

One exercise that you can do is to look in five different directions. You will look up, down, right, left, and straight ahead. When you're looking at those positions, you just need to blink 10 times. To make sure that you are blinking fully, place your finger horizontally sideways, right on the bottom of your lash margin, so that every time you blink your upper eyelashes brush against your finger, and that's when you will know that you are blinking fully. By blinking, you force the oil glands to release lubricating oil so that your eyes are properly lubricated.

Another blinking exercise includes exercising the eyelid muscle to ensure that it is properly activated and working. The best way to do this is to close your eyes, pause, open your eyes, close your eyes again, pause, and forcefully close them. This will make that muscle work constantly so that you can blink more normally. Just doing this for one minute a day can for sure help you to prevent or improve digital eye strain.

Schedule an eye exam at Amplify EyeCare Manhattan

Particularly since the pandemic, when a lot more things have become virtual, many people have been suffering from digital eye strain and dry eye. Visit our eye doctor today so we can determine the best course of treatment and how we can prevent you from experiencing any symptoms. Please call (212) 752-6930 if you would like to schedule an eye exam or dry eye consultation.