BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ. The alarm rings and you grab the cell phone to turn it off while immediately checking email and social media. From that point on, your day will center on screens of various types – computers, monitors, televisions, tablets, cell phones and the list goes on. According to The Vision Council, an independent authority in the optical industry, 60 percent of all Americans use devices for more than five hours every single day. As screen time increases, so does eye strain and related side effects like headaches, tiredness and dry eye.

In honor of Workplace Eye Wellness Month, MyEyeDr. is sharing some common issues associated with digital eye strain, and how you can alleviate them:

Incorrect glasses for your need.

At least 75 percent of Americans use some sort of correction for blurred vision, according to the Vision Council of America. Of these 75 percent, there are many who use their devices more than five hours every day. These people should consider computer glasses to correct many issues associated with using digital devices. The lenses are designed to make it easier to look at screens for long periods of time by reducing glare and increasing contrast.

Constant headaches.

Many individuals suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, causing headaches and fatigue. Combat Computer Vision Syndrome by increasing text size on your digital device and by adjusting contrast to make content more readable. Make sure you are wearing your glasses prescribed specifically for your task.

Dry, tired eyes.

65 percent of Americans suffer from digital eye strain, so rest assured you aren’t alone. Sustained usage can wear eyes out and impact performance. As a solution use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This refocuses eyes and allows blinking to return to a normal rate.

Poor desk set-up, poor vision.

Blame crammed cubicles for this eye strain and reorganize your workspace. Optimal optical set-ups for office spaces should have screens 20-40 inches (or an arm’s length) away from our eyes.

Strained eyes.

Individuals with existing vision issues like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia are at increased risk for eye strain. Consult your local optometrist and schedule an annual eye exam to ensure other vision problems aren’t impacting your work performance.

“Viewing a computer or digital screen for five or more hours a day makes your eyes work harder, which causes the dry, strained eyes many individuals suffer from when stepping out of their cubicle,” said Dr. Artis Beatty, optometrist and vice president of professional services at MyEyeDr. “At MyEyeDr., we’re here to educate our patients on what they can do to alleviate these short-term issues and long-term risks.”

Technology isn’t going anywhere, but device users can take advantage of measures to protect their eye. Schedule your annual eye exam with MyEyeDr. today, and our trusted optometrist will help ease digital eye strain.