Last update on: 4:15 pm April 24, 2024 by fashionabc
Digital life often delivers benefits but can also fuel eye strain and well-being worries. As more and more of us transition to remote work, a trend that took root from days of the global pandemic Covid 19 and subsequent lockdowns, the amount of time we spend in front of computers, tablets and mobile screens has significantly increased as has back- to- back Zoom calls, leading to a sharp rise in the cases of digital fatigue. Common symptoms including dryness, blurry vision, redness and irritation and ignoring these signs can worsen discomfort and may even lead to severe conditions such as Computer Vision Syndrome.
Beat digital fatigue with simple eye excersizes
Many of us lean on mobile phones and laptops for both personal connections and updates about work tasks. For many of us, these devices are essential to how we socialise and communicate with each other. Per a survey undertaken by Deloitte: “40% of our survey respondents said they interact more with people through their devices than in the physical world—and that’s true for over half of Gen Zs and nearly half of Millennials (figure 2.2). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents reported their devices help them build meaningful connections with others, whether friends, family, or people with similar interests; more than seven in 10 Gen Zs and millennials feel the same way.”
And if screens are an integral part of your job you might not be able to escape this altogether but you can minimise it with a few actionable practices that target alleviating eye strain. Per a company release, fashion and lifestyle brand Oakley advises: “Incorporating eye exercises into your daily routine offers several benefits for overall eye health and well-being. Firstly, these exercises help reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by prolonged screen time, allowing you to work comfortably for longer periods without discomfort. Additionally, practising these exercises can lead to improved focus and concentration, enhancing your productivity and performance while working from home.”
Consistently staring at screens can lead to decreased blinking, resulting in dry, irritated eyes. Combat this by blinking rapidly for ten seconds to moisten and refresh your eyes. This exercise helps prevent dryness and maintains eye moisture, reducing the discomfort associated with digital strain. Another effective exercise is eye rolling where you can slowly roll your eyes in a circular motion, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times to relieve tension and improve blood circulation around the eyes.
Palming is also a great technique to alleviate digital fatigue. When working for long hours at a computer, it is good to practice such re-centering techniques. Rub your palms together until you start to feel the heat between them, cup your palms over your eyes and then concentrate on the warmth being transferred to your eyes. Do this till you literally feel the relaxation of your eye muscles. Finally a simple Near-Far Focus goes a long way. Here, hold a pen at arm’s length and focus on the tip. Slowly bring the object closer to your nose while maintaining focus, then move it back to arm’s length. Repeat this process 5-10 times. This exercise for the eye muscles helps improve your focus, exercise your eye muscles and soothe eye discomfort caused by computer use.
These eye exercises are super easy and can be a great help to relax tired eyes. Oakley advises, “Exercises are not the be-all and end-all of your eye care routine, so it is important to check the health of your eyes. You should get an eye test if experiencing discomfort, especially for the first time. You may need prescription glasses, as straining and squinting to focus on the screen could be causing the issues. However, even those who wear glasses and get tested regularly can help keep their eyes healthy with simple exercises.”
