As technology advances, people spend more time in front of computers, video games and television screens, both for work and recreation. Basic computer skills are taught as early as preschool. This places a lot of strain on your eyes over your lifetime if you don't practice good eye strain prevention tactics. Office, home and work environments can also easily lend themselves to eye injury and blindness. Simple, seemingly safe home chemicals or contact lenses can damage your eyes. A few lifestyle changes can keep your eyes safe and comfortable.
Eye Strain
Step 1
See your eye doctor to make sure you don't need glasses or reading glasses. If you wear glasses, have your prescription checked yearly to make sure your eyes haven't changed. Always wear your glasses as directed by your doctor to prevent squinting and eye strain.
Step 2
Set up your office environment in a way that minimizes eye strain. Position your monitor so it's close enough to read comfortably without squinting or straining. Adjust your chair height so you're looking straight ahead but slightly down at your monitor. Position your desk so you don't experience glare from a nearby light or window.
Step 3
Take breaks from reading, playing video games or looking at your computer screen every 20 minutes to give your eyes a rest. Look at something about 20 feet away from your computer monitor and focus on it for 20 seconds to help give the muscles that focus on nearby objects a break. Be sure to blink regularly. Close your eyes for 15 to 30 seconds and take a deep breath periodically for a quick eye relaxer and refresher.
Eye Injury
Step 1
Wear protective eye gear like safety goggles or an eye shield whenever you perform work that puts your eyes at risk of puncture or exposure to dangerous materials or substances.
Step 2
Don't mix home cleaning supplies because they could create toxic chemicals that burn or damage your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling pesticides, working on your car or using chemicals that may damage your eyes.
Step 3
Follow your doctor and your contact lens manufacturer's instructions for safe use. Wearing your contacts too long, failing to disinfect them or inserting them improperly can cause eye injury or blindness.
