In today’s digital world, our eyes are increasingly strained by computer screens, smart phones, e-readers, and digital TV. Our eyes are our most valuable resource to keep up with the digital world, yet we tend to forget to pay close attention to their health. I’ve compiled 11 easy steps to help you navigate the digital world and see it all in clear detail. By making these small adjustments, you can be one step closer to digital eye health.

Here are 11 tips for digital iHealth:

• Get an annual eye exam: The only way to monitor your vision health is through annual exams by an eye care professional.  Let your doctor know if you are a “heavy user” of technology.

• Abide by the 20/20/20 Rule:Take a 20 second break after every 20 minutes of use. Make sure you shift your vision to something in the distance (at least 20 feet away) during this break. If your work area is small, even looking out the window will allow your eyes to relax.^[1]
• Screen Placement: Keep your monitor at least 25” away from your eyes, preferably more.^[2]
• Monitor Tilt: Tilt your computer screen so that the top is slightly farther away from you than the bottom.^[3]
• Lighting: Reduce eye strain by using ceiling-mounted, indirect lighting and control outside light with blinds or shades.^[4]
• Font size: Reduce eye strain by enlarging the font. ^[5] Most hand-held devices and phones have a feature to increase font size when reading emails and text messages.
• Adjust Display settings: Set your screen settings so the background blends easily into your surrounding environment.  Adjust the brightness and contrast so that on-screen images and letters are easy to read.^[6]
• Minimize Glare: Consider using an anti-glare film on your monitor or hand held devices.^[7]
• Upgrade to an LCD: Older CRT monitors are more likely to cause strain on your eyes than a liquid crystal display (LCD). ^[8]
• Remember to Blink: We tend to blink less often when using a computer, so remember to blink frequently during continuous digital usage. Blinking will keep your eyes moist and prevent you from developing dry eye. ^{[9] [10]}
• Find the right vision correction solution: Choosing multifocal contact lenses may help you see near, far, and everything in between. Whether you’re starring at a computer monitor or using your handheld device, multifocal contact lenses provide exceptional vision at any distance.

When wearing progressive spectacles, the area used for near vision is very small. With multifocal contact lenses, you can see clearly in all areas of gaze. For computer users, wearing multifocal contact lenses eliminates the need to raise your head to look through the bottom of your glasses to view the screen. By looking straight ahead, you can also reduce neck strain. For more information on digital iHealth, check out www.coopervision.com/clearchoice.