Here’s why you don’t need a digital detox to take care of your eyes

Smartphones with better resolution, laptops with snazzy touchscreens, and giant flat screen televisions with a fantastic picture — who doesn’t want the latest technological eye candy? That said, all this heavy screen usage can leave our eyes feeling fatigued and worn out, especially after a marathon workday moving from screen to screen.

Time for a digital detox? Perhaps, but not necessarily for your ocular comfort. A screen break — which more than half of Americans would consider doing, according to a recent survey by VSP Vision Care — may not be your only strategy for keeping your eyes feeling good and seeing clearly. That’s especially true when considering how extended digital detoxes simply aren’t practical for most of us. Here are more approachable and effective ways to see your vision care through.

1. Stick to your yearly comprehensive eye exam

At work, we’re on computers. After work, we’re on our couches streaming shows and scrolling through social media. According to the Vision Council, this kind of prolonged and frequent use of screens can contribute to what’s called “digital eye strain,” due to the engagement of our near vision during this time and the blue light the screens emit. Digital eye strain symptoms can include sore, watery, dry eyes, with blurred vision and headaches. Around 65% of us experience some type of eye discomfort, but only one-in-five prioritizes going to the eye doctor regularly, according to VSP. An annual comprehensive eye exam from an eye doctor can determine ways to provide relief from digital eye strain that fit your lifestyle. Eye exams are also important for supporting eye and overall well-being. In fact, our eyes can be windows to signs of underlying health conditions, like diabetes.

2. Take 20-20-20 breaks — and blink

Even if you have 20/20 vision (which means you can read an eye chart correctly from 20 feet away), staring at a computer can tire out your eyes. Like being mindful about not sitting for hours without moving, you can do the same for your eyes. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. This little reset can help relieve digital eye strain. Blinking more also helps to relieve discomfort by moistening your eyes.

3. Get the right eyewear

Smartphones, tablets, monitors, and TVs all emit blue light, which can contribute to digital eye strain. To defend your eyes, try specialty anti-reflective lens coatings that reduce blue light exposure, combat digital eye strain, and allow you to work, play, and connect comfortably. For an indoor-outdoor option, wear a light-reactive lens that darkens in sunlight, returns to clear indoors, and provides blue light filtration in both environments. While these options address blue light, your eye doctor may also recommend computer vision glasses, which can also relieve symptoms of digital eye strain.

4. Wash your hands (in case you missed it)

Rubbing your eyes or handling glasses and contact lenses with grimy hands can lead to infections, including pink eye or conjunctivitis. But along with potentially introducing germs, rubbing your eyes has been linked to developing corneal abrasions or popped blood vessels. VSP network eye doctor Jennifer Wademan, OD, says, “When we’re tired, kneading into our eye sockets is an impulse many of us can’t resist, as it stimulates our tear glands, relieves dry eyes, and can also trigger a relaxation response. But it’s important to only rub your eyes gently and with clean hands.”

5. Have a vision plan

More than half of parents are worried about the effects of children’s increased screen time, according to VSP. That’s why it’s so important that you and your family have access to — and use — your vision benefits. It’s the best way to maintain clear vision. Plus, your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall wellness long before signs of health issues show. And with VSP, you’ll have access to a great network of optometrists, a wide variety of eyewear styles, and the affordability you deserve. There are also great perks and offers exclusive to VSP members, like an extra $20 to spend on featured frame brands. Don’t wait: use VSP’s Find an Eye Doctor tool to locate a VSP network eye doctor near you.