I speak from experience when I tell you that prioritizing your eyes by following these eye care tips would save your eyes from many problems now and in the future, especially as a long-time screen user.
While you make a living off facing your laptop screen, you may not have paid attention to your eyes for the longest time, a move that could cost you your sight in the long run.
As your need to consistently use the screen grows, you must establish a balance between keeping your eyes and body healthy and the need to write some more. So, what do you do in favor of your eyes while it faithfully serves you? Let’s walk.
Eye care tips to save your sight as a writer
To favor your eyes means understanding when not to harm them, albeit unconsciously, and promoting what keeps them healthy. You need not go out of your way to practice these because they are simple lifestyle changes you need to make.
Practice the 20-20-20 vision rule
According to the Canada Association of Optometrists, one vital way to avoid eye strain, computer vision syndrome, or any other vision problem is always to observe the 20-20-20 vision rule. How do you achieve this?
For every 20 minutes you stay focused on your screen, look up from your phone, computer, or laptop, direct your gaze to an object 20 feet away, and look at it for 20 seconds.
If you need help remembering this practice, set reminders or download apps built to help you with your habits. Practicing this rule will help you give your eyes a break and rest periodically until you finish your work.Â
Ensure that you do not neglect this rule. While it is important not to get distracted and focus to get the work done, your eyes and vision are more important and should not be relegated to the back chair because the neglect may later surface and hurt you seriously.
Always wear blue light-blocking glasses
During one of my eye checkups, my doctor recommended wearing blue-light-blocking glasses even while watching TV. I had to purchase a couple because I did not want to hear more eye-problem stories.
Blue light-blocking glasses shield you from the blue light from your digital device screen. However, some schools of thought do not endorse these glasses, owning their argument that this practice is not scientifically proven.
In my personal experience, I once worked without the protective lenses of blue light-blocking glasses. After a while, I felt pretty uncomfortable and reached for the glasses. Upon putting them on, I felt a soothing effect that made me chastise myself for forgetting to wear them before working.
Reduce screen time
The blue light from your device screen can affect your body’s Circadian Rhythm. The body changes its internal clock to regulate sleep and alertness. Blue lights from the screen can disturb this rhythm and cause an imbalance.
I know this eye care tip might be annoying, but it is what it is. Burning the midnight candle is still very much valid, but you should only do that when it is absolutely necessary.
Otherwise, you either get an app that protects you from the blue light or call it a day the minute it clocks at 7 p.m.
Increase your writing fonts
Regardless of how good your sight is, it is essential that you increase those fonts. Yes, we know that Times New Roman fonts are generally 12, but while still writing your content, increase the fonts to a comfortable number for your eyes. I take it to 14 or 16, depending on how long I write.
Eat foods and fruits that support eye health
Regularly munch on fruits or snacks that are good for the eyes. Eat foods that have nutritional benefits for the eyes.
Fruits like carrots, apples, bananas, strawberries, and other berry fruits are excellent for supplying the eyes with good nutrients. For easier identification, fruits rich in vitamin A should be your go-to.
If you love to keep your mouth moving, snack on them while working. For healthier eyes, include dark leafy vegetables, eggs, beans, and seeds in your diet.
Learn to blink intentionally
Spending a lot of time behind the screen can affect how you blink. Blinking is a form of eye exercise that encourages lacrimal secretions, which help keep the eyes lubricated and remove dirt.
Reduced blinking can lead to dry eyes, which can be painful sometimes. Not frequently blinking can also lead to tension headaches or, in extreme cases, eye infections. You will be doing your eyes a good service if you remember to blink regularly while writing.
Conclusion
One of the best eye care tips I can give you is to remember how crucial your sight is to you, your job, and your loved ones. Knowing this will only help you take these actions naturally because you will be doing yourself a world of good when you care for your eyes.