More and more of us spend our days working in front of a computer, laptop, or other digital devices. In fact, The American Optometric Association (AOA) says that the average American worker spends 7 hours a day on the computer, either in the office or working from home. Because of this, many experience something called digital eye strain that can cause your eyes to feel strained, tired, and irritated. While most of us will continue to have jobs circulating around digital devices, our vision doesn't have to be strained.

How to Protect Your Eyes from Digital Eye Strain

1. Look away - To prevent eye strain, look away from your digital device after long periods of use. The AOA suggests using the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes of being in front of a screen, look away for 20 seconds to allow your eyes a chance to refocus. During these breaks, look at something about 20 feet away.
2. Pay attention to lighting - If you're working under bright lighting or by a window, light could be causing glare on your digital device's screen. Don't ignore it. Rearrange your working space to be sure no light is reflecting off your screen.
3. Take an eye vitamin - Taking an eye vitamin with premium Omega-3 fish oil and antioxidants can help your eyes produce more tears to bathe the eye and relieve it from eye strain. This means less rubbing and itching your eyes while in front of a digital device. When you blink, you're actually lubricating the eye which helps relieve discomfort. But if your eye feels dry even after blinking, you're probably not producing enough tears. Taking an eye vitamin can help with this.