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.
- 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.
- If you need glasses, consider wearing glasses designed to filter out LED blue light. Optometrists commonly offer this option.
- Set your monitor’s brightness so that it’s a little dimmer than your room lighting.
- 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.
- Get a yearly eye exam to track your eye health.