How to reduce computer screen damage to your eyes

Nowadays we depend on electronics for work, fun and just about anything. That is why you may often find yourself staring at screens for more than 10 hours a day. It is very important protect your eyes from the negative influence of whites and enlarging text size in common programs, no matter how old you are or how good your eyesight might be.

In order to minimize the long-term computer screens damage to your eyes, you should accustom some of these effective habits when you use a PC or Mac computers. Most of our tips are simple and apply also to Windows 8.

1. Enlarge the display size of your browser

Today most monitors come in wide-screen format, which is not very suitable for documents. Browsers usually show websites in columns and in this way they leave wide, empty margins. To remove the margins and zoom in on your page, you should hold down Control and scroll up with your mouse until the page fits your monitor. For Mac, you can enlarge most browser window sizes by pressing Command and + a few times.

2. Lower the brightness of your screen

Your monitor is the source of the problem, so you should adjust it depending on your needs. Screens usually come with a guide that will show you how to adjust brightness, contrast, color and other features. In this way you will reduce the levels of eyestrain. If you don’t have a manual, a brief search on Google should be helpful enough.

In case you still cannot find any manuals for your monitor or television, all models come with buttons that allow the user to explore menu options that are often hidden. A quick look at them should help you to reduce your monitor’s brightness levels in no time.

3. Lower the resolution of your Desktop

Resolution is what makes up the screen in vertical and horizontal “lines.” If the screen has more lines, it means that the images and text will appear smaller. When you right-click on your desktop in Windows, you can lower your screen resolution and make those images and text blocks appear larger. For Mac, you can adjust your resolution when you go to the Apple logo, System Preferences, and then Display.

4. Enlarge the Windows Text Size

For Windows 7, you should right-click on the desktop for the Personalize menu. From there you should go to the Display option menu in order to change the text and other items on-screen. You can choose between three settings: smaller, medium, and larger. An adjustment here should help anyone trying to save their eyesight.

5. Buy a pair of computer readers

Computer readers are glasses that have protective coatings on their lenses. They are designed to minimize the harsh whites that monitors can emit. Most readers have a magnifying effect and in this way you are getting a two-for-one deal. There are models that will cost you only $30.

For those who are looking for something better and are willing to pay more, there are lines of sturdy readers that are not only protective but stylish as well. Some brands have programs that give you the opportunity you combine vision correction with protection. The prices for such models vary from $60 to $100.

6. Use Magnifiers

Microsoft knows that usually computer text is hard to read. Magnifier is a program which is found with almost all versions of Windows. It can enlarge certain parts of the screen wherever you point it with your mouse or keyboard cursor.

7. Have a break

It is not healthy to stare at a screen for too long because it can give you computer vision syndrome or CVS. If you stare at a screen for too long, you should look away and focus on an item in the distance for approximately 10 to 20 seconds, and then focus on an item closer to you. You should repeat this a few times in order to prevent your eyes from getting tired.

8. Go Outside

Being inside all day not only damages your sleeping habits, but it can also influence your eyes. Expose your eyes to different kinds of light. This can also be helpful when you work in an office.

These steps can certainly help you minimize the negative effects of long-term screen exposure, no matter if your eyesight is good or bad. They won’t prevent eyestrain completely, however, they can significantly protect your eyes from more serious damage.