5 Ways Seniors Can Avoid Eyestrain While Enjoying Hobbies

Modern technology is a blessing in the sense that people can enjoy an entire world in the palm of their hands. People can chat on social media, watch videos, or even play virtual sudoku and other games. When Irvine, Orange County, Santa Ana, Tustin, and other Southern California cities become too hot outside or feel too busy, many people use their phones, books, or other small devices for leisure activities inside. Senior Helpers South Orange County knows that our senior clients need their screen time to relax. However, it's also important to be aware of avoiding eyestrain while enjoying one's hobbies. Here are Senior Helpers South Orange County’s top tips to help seniors protect their eyes from strain.

1. Practice the 20-20-20 Technique to Protect Eyes From Strain

Many ophthalmologists recommend what's called the 20-20-20 technique and used to address eyestrain. Eyestrain often happens when a person is focused on small details for too long without taking a break. When the muscles in the eye are focused on small details without a break, it can create strain and many already have stress and vision difficulties. In the past, books and materials were to blame. Now many individuals love their compact smartphones without realizing the potential negative impacts on their vision.

Luckily, the 20-20-20 technique also applies to phones and is simple to implement. Here's how to practice the 20-20-20 technique:

• Take a break every 20 minutes
• Focus on something for a mere 20 seconds
• Choose something 20 feet away.

When your senior loved one does this, they give their eye muscles a much-needed break. Further, teaching people to do this will help them avoid eyestrain by changing where the muscles in the eye focus. 

2. Adjust the Settings on the Phone or Computer for the Font Size

Many computers and phones have accessibility options in the settings that can change the font size and make these devices much easier to use for those who experience vision issues while trying to read or focus on smaller screens or even large monitors. Take some time to adjust the font size through the settings menu and make the font size larger. When the font is larger, then there is less squinting involved for the brain to process. This is an easy tweak that only involves fixing the phone settings. 

3. Avoid Blue Light From Electronics

Electronics emit light when displaying data and various entertainment features that many use to amuse themselves. For seniors, there is a high risk of eyestrain when using mobile and virtual devices, particularly if they have already had eye issues throughout their lives. The blue light emitted from electronics is different from traditional light from other screens and, basically, a more potent light source. In order to avoid damage to the eye, consider purchasing a pair of blue light glasses to block the common exposure due to electronics. Thus, protecting their eyes from strain from blue light emissions. 

4. Move Electronics That Reflect Glare

In addition to blue light and smaller font sizes that cause eyestrain, modern electronics often have been the subject of ergonomic studies for years. Researchers have found that computers or phones that are in the wrong place in relation to lighting will cause a glare on the screen. Over time, glare from a computer screen light can cause harm to the eyes. For senior clients who love their smartphones and computers, the simple fix is to make sure that the device is not producing a glare and move it if it is reflecting the light from a lamp, overhead lighting, etc. In order to stop glare, simply move the computer or phone to another area. 

5. Avoid Dry Eyes From the Computer or Fans 

One common complaint of those who use electronics frequently is that they begin to experience dry eyes. Dry eyes already occur naturally as people age and produce fewer lubricants to wet the eye. While having dry eyes is normal, it's still important to use eye drops when using electronics. One major way to combat eyestrain is to address the comfort factor. If your elderly loved one is having dry eyes and that causes them distress, then make sure they use eye drops. 

Help Seniors Protect Their Eyes From Strain

For more questions about protecting your elderly loved one's vision, reach out to Senior Helpers South Orange County staff directly and learn more today.