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May 26, 2024
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Austin dry eyes

Are your eyes feeling itchy and scratchy? You might be suffering from a case of dry eyes.

In our digital world, it’s no wonder that eye strain is one of the leading eye-related issues. So much time spent at the computer and staring at our tiny mobile phones can lead to dry and irritated eyes.

Here at Texan Eye Care, we’re committed to providing cutting-edge eye care solutions. That’s why today we’ll discuss:

  • The reasons for dry eyes and digital strain
  • Some solutions for managing dry eyes
  • The future of eye strain in our digital world

Let’s get into it!

Understanding Dry Eyes and Digital Strain

For your eyes to be happy and healthy, they need to be moist. Blinking helps keep our eyes moist – each time you blink, your eyes release a “tear film” that coats your eyes.

Most adults blink about 14 to 17 times per minute. However, did you know that we blink around 66% less while staring at computer screens?

That’s because we’re focused on what we’re doing. Whether you’re writing emails at your desk job, or watching a thrilling game, sometimes our eyes can simply forget to blink.

This is why digital use can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. You might find yourself with itchy eyes, or feel a burning sensation. We can point these symptoms to dry eyes and digital strain.

Daily Habits to Prevent Dry Eyes

Thankfully, there are a few things we can do to help prevent dry eyes. For example, a few simple changes in the way we use our screens can go a long way.

Consider how close your screen is to your face. You want to keep it at around arm’s length so you don’t catch that full glare of brightness. 

If you find yourself squinting to read a text on your phone, you can also increase the font size so it’s easier to read from a comfortable distance.

You should also make sure your screen brightness isn’t too high. You want it to be dim enough to not be a light source, but also bright enough that the screen doesn’t look dull.

Adjusting your computer’s refresh rate might also help. 

Most computers are set automatically to refresh at 60 Hz, which can cause a flickering effect that isn’t nice on your eyes. Try increasing it to between 70 to 85 Hz.

Also, consider the environment around your screen. Ensure that you’re not too close to a window, as the glare can be irritating. 

The lighting should also be good for your eyes. Try installing softer light bulbs, or consider using a desk lamp rather than the overhead light. 

You also might like to use a humidifier to help add more moisture to your workspace.

Taking regular breaks is also important in preventing dry eyes from digital use. 

Experts recommend using the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds at something around 20 feet away. 

You can try setting a timer to help make this a habit.

Remember to be aware of how much you’re blinking, and to take regular breaks. These simple tips can help you manage your dry eyes.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Changes

You might also like to consider adjusting your lifestyle to help combat dry eyes. 

There are a few different things you can try to help improve your eye strain.

If you work at a computer in your day job, coming home to stare at a TV screen might only make your dry eyes worse. 

Try putting down the remote and engaging in some screen-free activities. You could pick up a new hobby instead, such as knitting, reading, or playing board games.

Did you know that your diet and other health choices can also affect your eye health? Staying hydrated is one simple way you can help keep your eyes moisturized and healthy.

You might want to try taking supplements that support your eye health. Taking in more vitamins and minerals helps support your body’s systems and keeps you up and running. 

Some research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help with dry eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in food such as fish, nuts and seeds, vegetable oil, soybeans, and green, leafy vegetables. 

Try incorporating some tuna or mackerel into your diet at least twice a week to help improve your eye health!

Medical Solutions and Treatments 

There are also plenty of medical treatments for your dry eyes. 

For example, over the counter eye drops. Eye drops are an effective solution to dry eyes, as they help moisturize your eyes when you’re feeling the strain.

However, eye drops might not help solve the underlying cause of your dry eyes. It might be best to arrange an appointment with an eye doctor to get more advice on how to deal with your eye strain.

At Texan Eye Care, our experts offer several advanced treatments and therapies to help combat your dry eyes. 

They can offer prescription based eye drops and other treatments to help treat the inflammation of your eyelids and soothe your eyes.

Click here to book your comprehensive eye exam and personalized treatment plan from Texan Eye Care.

Long-Term Strategies for Eye Health in a Digital World

While digital eye strain and dry eyes can be annoying, in 2024 we’re lucky to have technology that aims to minimize eye strain. 

Innovations such as high-resolution screens, inbuilt anti reflective coatings, and image smoothing graphic effects are sure to help prevent eye strain. 

Eye care technology is also improving rapidly, with personalized eye care becoming the norm. 

Here at Texan Eye Care, we believe in providing the best solutions for your eye concerns. Attending regular eye checkups is one simple way you can keep on top of your eye strain and help prevent dry eyes.

Conclusion

In our digital world, it’s important to address dry eyes as soon as possible. Adopting new habits is a simple way you can help prevent eye strain in a digital-heavy lifestyle.

Remember to stay vigilant when it comes to your eyesight. Scheduling professional consultations is an easy way to keep on top of your eye health.

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