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Eye Care and Screen Time

Jun 16, 2023

Protect Your Vision While You Work

Do you sometimes feel like your life revolves around email? Are you finding yourself glued to your computer screen all day long, working hard to meet deadlines and tackle projects? As soon as you are away from your computer do you find it replaced with your phone? Well, as an optometrist here in the Windy City, we’ve got some great news for you! Today, we’re going to share some healthy screen time habits that will help you take care of your precious vision while you conquer the digital world. So, let's dive right in!

dog on a laptop

1. Embrace the 20/20/20 rule: Remembering to give your eyes regular breaks is crucial. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your gaze on an object that is at least 20 feet away. This simple practice helps reduce eye strain and keeps your eyes feeling refreshed.



2. Maintain the right distance: Sit at an arm's length distance from your computer screen, about 20-40 inches. Positioning your monitor too close or too far can strain your eyes. By maintaining a comfortable distance, you reduce the risk of eye fatigue and minimize the need for excessive focusing.

man on a laptop and phone

3. Blink, blink, and blink again: Blinking might seem like a natural reflex, but many of us forget to do it regularly while staring at screens. Blinking moistens your eyes, preventing dryness and irritation. So, make a conscious effort to blink more frequently and keep those peepers well-lubricated!


4. Adjust your screen settings: Optimize your screen settings to reduce eye strain. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size to a level that feels comfortable for your eyes. A display that is too bright or too dim can cause unnecessary strain and fatigue.

woman on laptop

5. Mind your lighting: Ensure that the lighting in your workspace is neither too harsh nor too dim. Excessive brightness or glare from overhead lights or windows can create discomfort and strain. Position your screen to minimize glare and consider using a glare filter if needed.


6. Keep your screen clean: Dust, smudges, and fingerprints on your screen can make it harder to see, forcing your eyes to work harder. Regularly clean your screen with a microfiber cloth to remove any distractions and ensure optimal clarity.



7. Practice good posture: Maintaining proper posture while working at a computer is essential for preventing neck and eye strain. Sit up straight, keep your shoulders relaxed, and adjust your chair and monitor height to achieve an ergonomically friendly setup.

people working

8. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is not only great for your overall health but also for your eyes. Proper hydration helps prevent dry eyes and keeps your vision clear and comfortable.


9. Take regular breaks: Aside from the 20/20/20 rule, take short breaks every hour to give your eyes a rest. Get up, stretch your legs, grab a cup of coffee, or simply look out the window to relax your eyes. Stepping away from the screen for a few minutes can work wonders for your overall well-being.


10. Get your prescription updated: Last but not least, make sure you have an up-to-date glasses or contact lens prescription. Your eyesight can change over time, and using an incorrect prescription can lead to unnecessary eye strain and discomfort. Regular eye exams are vital to ensuring your vision is at its best.

boy at laptop

Healthy Habits Don't Just Impact Your Vision

Remember, healthy screen time habits are not only crucial for your eyes but also for your productivity and overall well-being. By incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine, you'll be taking proactive steps toward maintaining excellent eye health and keeping your vision sharp.


So, take a moment to reassess your screen time habits and make these changes today. Your eyes will thank you! And if you need any assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Chicago Vision Club. We're here to support you on your journey to healthier eyes and clearer vision.

laptop, phone, headphones, watch
woman on a laptop
laptop and monitor
well-lit laptop
woman on laptop
person on laptop
27 Jul, 2023
Don't Neglect Your Vision This Summer Love it or hate it, summer is in full swing. As your friendly neighborhood optometrist, we’re here to help you keep those peepers safe and sound during these scorching summer months. The sun may be shining bright, but we need to take some extra measures to protect our precious vision. So, grab those shades and let's dive into seven essential tips for a summer of eye safety and healthy sight!
13 Jul, 2023
How Will You Choose? Contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction, offering convenience and visual clarity for millions of people worldwide. When it comes to choosing between daily contacts and extended wear contacts, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. Let’s explore the key differences between these two types of contact lenses, so you can make an informed decision about which option is best for you.
29 Jun, 2023
Don't Neglect Your Vision Look, we get it. Life is hectic and sometimes it feels like you don’t have the time to accomplish even half of the items on your daily schedule. We’re all in the same boat here! That being said, if you can’t remember the last time you had an eye exam, it needs to be at the top of your list. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you need to schedule an eye exam today.
01 Jun, 2023
An Important Aspect of Your Child's Wellbeing If you’re a parent, you already know how stressful caring for your kiddo’s health can be. There always seems to be something to worry about, and vision should be on that list. From screen time to regular check-ups, there's a lot you can do to support your children's vision development. So, let's dive into these tips and empower you to be vision superheroes for your kids!
18 May, 2023
Get Relief from Your Headaches Do you experience frequent headaches? It’s the worst, we can relate. It seems like one moment you’re answering emails, and the next you might want to just turn off the lights and lay down due to the pain. We all know how painful and debilitating headaches can be, but did you know that your vision could be playing a significant role in triggering those head-pounders? Let's dive into the ways that vision problems can lead to headaches and explore how getting the right eyeglass prescription can be a game-changer.
04 May, 2023
A Common Issue Dry eyes are the worst. They’re painful, distracting, and just plain annoying. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems. It’s also incredibly common. Some studies suggest that as many as 73.5% of Americans experience dry eye symptoms , which is a staggering number. Even if you don’t experience dry eyes frequently or severely, chances are you know exactly the symptoms we’re talking about here. So why does this happen? Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of dry eyes and some treatment options that are available to you.
20 Apr, 2023
Common Sense From the time that you were a child, you’ve likely had it drilled into your head that you need to take care of your eyeglasses as if they were your own baby. After all, your folks certainly didn’t want to be springing for a new pair of glasses if it could be avoided, and as an adult, all of their admonishments probably make a whole lot more sense. So you know how important it is to take care of your glasses, but the question remains: how exactly do you take care of them? Let’s take a look at the top ten most important aspects of glasses care and some of the bad habits you probably need to break.
06 Apr, 2023
Spring is in the Air Springtime is amazing. It’s the most beautiful time of the year with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. However, as with any season, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to ensure that we protect our bodies and stay healthy. One crucial part of our body that requires special attention during the spring season is our eyes.
23 Mar, 2023
Healthy Food, Healthy Eyes It should be of no surprise to anyone when we say that your diet is extremely important to your overall health and wellbeing—including the health of your eyes. Though managing a healthy diet can seem difficult at times, the good news is that there are various types of food that can help support eye health. Let’s take a look at six foods that are not only great for your vision, but also delicious and nutritious!
09 Mar, 2023
The Spring Doesn't Just Bring Beautiful Weather Is there anything worse than allergy season? You’ve just survived another winter and the doldrums that accompany it, and just as soon as the weather gets nice enough to enjoy, mother nature deploys clouds of pollen and your immune system goes haywire. Allergy season is miserable, especially for those who suffer from eye allergies. Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and tearing, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable. We’ve got your back. While springtime might have your eyes redder than a clown’s nose, there are fortunately several steps that you can take to mitigate pollen’s assault. Let’s take a look at seven tips from the pros for taking care of your eyes during allergy season.
Show More
27 Jul, 2023
Don't Neglect Your Vision This Summer Love it or hate it, summer is in full swing. As your friendly neighborhood optometrist, we’re here to help you keep those peepers safe and sound during these scorching summer months. The sun may be shining bright, but we need to take some extra measures to protect our precious vision. So, grab those shades and let's dive into seven essential tips for a summer of eye safety and healthy sight!
13 Jul, 2023
How Will You Choose? Contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction, offering convenience and visual clarity for millions of people worldwide. When it comes to choosing between daily contacts and extended wear contacts, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. Let’s explore the key differences between these two types of contact lenses, so you can make an informed decision about which option is best for you.
29 Jun, 2023
Don't Neglect Your Vision Look, we get it. Life is hectic and sometimes it feels like you don’t have the time to accomplish even half of the items on your daily schedule. We’re all in the same boat here! That being said, if you can’t remember the last time you had an eye exam, it needs to be at the top of your list. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you need to schedule an eye exam today.
01 Jun, 2023
An Important Aspect of Your Child's Wellbeing If you’re a parent, you already know how stressful caring for your kiddo’s health can be. There always seems to be something to worry about, and vision should be on that list. From screen time to regular check-ups, there's a lot you can do to support your children's vision development. So, let's dive into these tips and empower you to be vision superheroes for your kids!
18 May, 2023
Get Relief from Your Headaches Do you experience frequent headaches? It’s the worst, we can relate. It seems like one moment you’re answering emails, and the next you might want to just turn off the lights and lay down due to the pain. We all know how painful and debilitating headaches can be, but did you know that your vision could be playing a significant role in triggering those head-pounders? Let's dive into the ways that vision problems can lead to headaches and explore how getting the right eyeglass prescription can be a game-changer.
04 May, 2023
A Common Issue Dry eyes are the worst. They’re painful, distracting, and just plain annoying. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems. It’s also incredibly common. Some studies suggest that as many as 73.5% of Americans experience dry eye symptoms , which is a staggering number. Even if you don’t experience dry eyes frequently or severely, chances are you know exactly the symptoms we’re talking about here. So why does this happen? Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of dry eyes and some treatment options that are available to you.
20 Apr, 2023
Common Sense From the time that you were a child, you’ve likely had it drilled into your head that you need to take care of your eyeglasses as if they were your own baby. After all, your folks certainly didn’t want to be springing for a new pair of glasses if it could be avoided, and as an adult, all of their admonishments probably make a whole lot more sense. So you know how important it is to take care of your glasses, but the question remains: how exactly do you take care of them? Let’s take a look at the top ten most important aspects of glasses care and some of the bad habits you probably need to break.
06 Apr, 2023
Spring is in the Air Springtime is amazing. It’s the most beautiful time of the year with warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. However, as with any season, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to ensure that we protect our bodies and stay healthy. One crucial part of our body that requires special attention during the spring season is our eyes.
23 Mar, 2023
Healthy Food, Healthy Eyes It should be of no surprise to anyone when we say that your diet is extremely important to your overall health and wellbeing—including the health of your eyes. Though managing a healthy diet can seem difficult at times, the good news is that there are various types of food that can help support eye health. Let’s take a look at six foods that are not only great for your vision, but also delicious and nutritious!
09 Mar, 2023
The Spring Doesn't Just Bring Beautiful Weather Is there anything worse than allergy season? You’ve just survived another winter and the doldrums that accompany it, and just as soon as the weather gets nice enough to enjoy, mother nature deploys clouds of pollen and your immune system goes haywire. Allergy season is miserable, especially for those who suffer from eye allergies. Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and tearing, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable. We’ve got your back. While springtime might have your eyes redder than a clown’s nose, there are fortunately several steps that you can take to mitigate pollen’s assault. Let’s take a look at seven tips from the pros for taking care of your eyes during allergy season.
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