Sunglass & Optical: Your Site(s) for Sore Eyes

From TV screens, smartphones, tablets, and laptops to e-readers, Kindles, and various other digital devices and monitors, it’s no wonder these days that many of us suffer from eye strain. And it’s not just the professionals sitting in front of a computer screen 8+ hours a day, five days a week—it’s also Moms and Dad’s relaxing in front of the family 55-inch flat screen, students researching their papers on their school laptop or tablet and then typing them up on Google Office, or just about anybody at any age taking their latest “Words with friends” turn or seeing what their BFs are up to on Facebook or Instagram.

More than ever, our eyes are important to our everyday lives, beyond just how we see the world, to how we interact with one another, how we communicate, how we relax, and how we entertain ourselves—and we’re putting a lot of strain on them.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, staring at your computer screen, smartphone or other digital device for long periods won’t necessarily cause permanent eye damage, but it can make eyes feel dry, tired, and can lead to blurry vision often associated with fatigue or eye strain. Some people can even experience headaches.

One of the leading reasons for eyestrain is that while humans normally blink about 15 times a minute, studies show that we blink only a half to a third that often when we’re using digital devices. So when you’re reading, writing, or even playing on your device you’re not blinking—and lubricating your eyes—as often as you should be.

Given this, one clear and easy “fix” for eyestrain is to reduce screen-time. But as we all know, cutting down on screen time is a lofty goal, but not very practical. Like it or not, our lives seemed destined to become more entwined with digital devices and screens each and every day.

Your Eyes Deserve More than Just a Break

That said, there must be something we can do to help reduce all the eye discomfort, headaches, difficulty focusing, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light associated with eyestrain.

A first place to start, whenever you experience problems with your eyes and vision is to get a comprehensive exam from a qualified eye care professional. He or she can assess the problem and provide proper guidance.

Secondly, eyewear that fits your eyes, your face, and your lifestyle (personal and professional), is a must. Simply put, you need the proper gear to meet the today’s demands of today’s technologies on your eyes.

Aside from these givens, what can you do on a day-to-day basis to help your eyes keep up with the paces you’re putting them through?

Here are some simple tips from AAO that will help you avoid dry eyes and eye strain:

  • Distance matters. Your eyes work harder when things are close up. Try moving your monitor 25 inches away from your face, about an arm’s length away.
  • Glare is not your friend—especially glare off all of your various HD screens and devices, which can irritate your eyes. Consider using a matte filter on matte screen cover to reduce glare.
  • Too much of a good thing is too much. Give your eyes a rest. That next chapter or next move on your favorite online game can wait. Your eyes were not meant to focus and function 24×7 on digital devices. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Give your eyes a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Fight dry eye. Air conditioning, heaters, and other environmentally controlled settings deprive your eyes of the moisture they need to be at their best. Artificial tears are a great way to help lubricate your eyes and reduce eye strain and irritation.
  • Keep your surroundings bright. While it might seem that a screen that’s much brighter than your surroundings is best for your eyes, the reality is that when your screen is much brighter than your surroundings, your eyes have to work harder to see. So lighten up. You can also try increasing the contrast on your monitor or device.

We Care About Your Eyes – You Should Too!

Tired of dry, irritated eyes, and blurry vision? Maybe it’s time to let Sunglass & Optical Warehouse give your eyes the TLC they need to keep the strain off. Maybe all you need is a new pair of prescription lenses, better fitting frames, or a pair of fashionable shades? Or maybe you just need to know (and practice) some of the dos and don’ts of working and playing with your digital devices.

Whatever the case, for more than 30 years Sunglass & Optical Warehouse has been meeting the eye care needs of Greater San Diego. We’ve kept up with the times in terms or training, expertise, and the wide range of lenses and frames we offer to keep your eyes at their best. Isn’t it time you did the same?

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