The great thing about living in the age of technology is the many ways to stave off boredom. Many seniors have learned how to use their computers/tablets/phones to enjoy their favorite hobbies. It's not unusual for seniors to stare at a screen for hours at a time while they do things like watch videos, play games, read, and even connect with family via social media. These hobbies are a great way to reduce boredom and keep their mind active. But they do come at a price. Seniors who turn to the screen for their favorite hobbies may suffer from eye strain.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that staring at the screens of digital devices for an extended period of time frequently triggers eye strain.
There are some ways seniors can protect their eyes from strain while enjoying their favorite hobbies. Read on!
Move the Screen
One of the simplest things seniors can do to reduce eye strain is simply moving the screen a little further from their faces. Ideally, the screen should be positioned about five inches below eye level and about 20-26 inches away from the body.
Adjust the Screen Settings
One of the things many people do when they start experiencing eye strain is to turn up their screen's brightness.
The truth is that always brightening the screen could be contributing to eye strain. Sadly, there aren't any set brightness settings that reduce eye strain however, according to Expert Ratings the general rule of thumb is to set the screen's settings so that the contrast is about 60-70%. Keep the contrast there and adjust the screen's actual brightness to compliment the brightness of the space where the screen is being used. The brighter the environment, the brighter the screen should be. Dim the screen when the environment grows darker.
Invest in a Glare Filter
Glare filters are a great investment for seniors who suffer from eye strain. They are inexpensive and have a huge impact on how much glare the screen produces. One of the great things about glare filters is how easy they are to use. Simply place them over the screen and let the filter do its job.
Stick to the 20-20-20 Rule
The20-20-20 rule is a rule of thumb for reducing eyestrain. Seniors using a screen to enjoy their favorite hobbies should get into the habit of setting an alarm that goes off after 20 minutes. When the alarm sounds, the senior should stare at an object that's 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives the eyes a break, uses a few different optical muscles, and significantly reduces eye strain.
Contact Senior Helpers Today!
Senior Helpers of Hillsborough County can improve the quality of life for seniors who live in Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, and the surrounding areas. We make sure that our clients have the resources and knowledge needed to enjoy every single moment of their lives.
Feel free to contact us for a free home assessment during which time you'll learn how we are ready and willing to help you live life to the fullest.