Several studies have shown that prolonged and habitual use of smartphones, tablets, and computers, causes symptoms such as: burning, redness, tearing, the feeling of dry, itchy eyes, light sensitivity, fatigue, and transient blurred vision. All these symptoms can be mitigated by reducing the time spent on digital devices and following some simple habits. Here they are, below.
10 Simple rules for monitors, tablets, and smartphones
- Always keep an adequate distance: for standard-sized screens, this distance can vary between 1 ½’ to 2 ½ ‘. The larger the screen size, the greater the distance.
- Place the keyboard on the countertop so you can rest your forearms.
- Digital screen should be positioned slightly lower than eye height at least 1.5 feet away from the screen.
- Don’t place bright lamps less than 30° from the direction of your view toward your work screen.
- For a better quality of vision, when working on your device and/or mobile phone/tablet, always wear corrective glasses prescribed by your eye doctor.
- Monitor brightness and contrast: Always try to use appropriate color and brightness options to achieve tones and contrasts that are not annoying to your eye. Avoid looking at your cell phone when you go to sleep.
- Avoid reflections on the screen of the device you are using. They can make it more difficult for you to work and read. Generally, the screen should be positioned at 90 degrees from the natural light source, so as to optimize readability.
- Get used to taking breaks often: the advice is every 45-50 minutes, looking up and trying to look far away. In this way, you allow the eyes to rest.
- Use an easy-to-read font and font size and use a dark font color on a white background.
- Try to blink more, consciously. When we are focused on the computer or mobile phone / tablet, we tend to keep our eyes wide open and blink less: this reduces the diffusion of tear fluid that moistens and lubricates the eye.
Source
Luigi Marino, Lucio Buratto – The dry eye syndrome. Fabiano Gruppo Editoriale, Milan 2016