Eye Care in the Age of Technology

As online learners and facilitators, we spend a considerable amount of time plugged into technology. We may be demanding a bit too much of our eyes. There are simple remedies eye specialists often recommend to help people maintain eye health.

1. Take a break! Try the 20-20-20-Rule: For every 20 minutes you spend at the computer, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. For every hour you spend on technology, take a 10-minute screen break. If possible, go outside on some of your breaks. Going outdoors not only gives your eyes a break, but it’s proven to increase learning retention, bolster your immune system, and increase happiness.
2. If you need glasses, consider wearing glasses designed to filter out LED blue light. Optometrists commonly offer this option.
3. Set your monitor’s brightness so that it’s a little dimmer than your room lighting.
4. Blinking lubricates our eyes, but when we are staring at a screen, we tend to blink less. Try to make a point of blinking as often as you can.
5. Get a yearly eye exam to track your eye health.