Methods to relax eyes when sitting at the computer for a long time

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi - Ophthalmologist - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

1. Warm compress

1.1. Uses Working at a computer or using a phone for too long not only causes headaches and shoulder and neck pain, but also causes fatigue and dry eyes, blurred vision, especially at long distances.
Warm compress is an easy way to relax your eyes when sitting at a computer for a long time. All you need is a clean cloth (or towel) and warm water. Gently placing a warm towel on the eyes will help relax the eyes, relieve pain, and also solve eye discomfort such as:
Dry eyes: Warm compresses help provide moisture, reduce discomfort caused by dry eyes caused; Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Pink eye can be caused by an infection, warm compress will give you quick pain relief; Pimples or styes: The oil glands in the eyelids sometimes become denser or clumpy, leading to blockages and the formation of papules and styes. The heat effect can thin the oil, help unclog the glands and reduce swelling easily; Blepharitis: Similar to the above, warm compresses keep the natural oils in the eyelids from getting clogged. Thereby reducing swelling and pain in the eyes; Continuous eyelid twitching: The warmth and moisture have a relaxing effect on your eyes, making you feel better immediately. If warm compresses cannot solve your eye problems, see your doctor for further testing and guidance.

1.2. How to apply Step 1: Fill a bowl with warm but not too hot water; Step 2: Put a clean towel in and completely wet it in the bowl; Step 3: Wring out the towel but don't be too dry, retain some moisture; Step 4: Fold the scarf into a rectangle and place it across your eyes.; Step 5: Hold for a few minutes to relax your eyes. When the towel cools down, you can dip it in the bowl of warm water again and repeat the process above. This method can be done several times a day and remember to use a clean towel at each use.
1.3. Some notes When you apply the compress, remember that your eyes are very sensitive. So don't do anything that could potentially damage your eyes. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use only plain water and a clean cloth Water is really all you need and always only use a damp cloth. Do not use tea bags or eye bags that contain gels or chemicals that keep heat inside. These can burn your eyes or the sensitive skin around them. If the heating pad leaks, it can seriously damage your eyes.
Soup the water temperature is just warm enough Do not use boiling or very hot water. The skin on your eyelids and around your eyes is very thin and sensitive, so it's easy to burn and hurt.
Separate each eye if needed If one (or both) of your eyes are having problems with an infection, use two different towels and two bowls of water for each eye. This will help reduce the risk of infection from one eye to another.

2. Other eye relaxation methods

Besides hot compress, what are other ways to relax the eyes? Here are some ways you can try to relax your eyes while sitting at the computer for a long time:
Rest your eyes in between hours When using the computer or doing activities that require eye focus such as: sewing or reading, at least every 1 hour, take 5 minutes to rest your eyes. If possible, rest your eyes more often, for example, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes, or take a 15-minute break every 2 hours. You can close your eyes, look around at distant objects, or simply stare into space.
Blink / blink often If you feel dry eyes, blinking will help reduce the rate of evaporation of the tear film that protects the cornea. Blinking hard also relieves focus pressure when you work a lot on your phone or computer.
Avoid concentrating for too long While driving long distances, alternately look at signs and some distant objects, instead of just focusing on the road. The computer user can alternately look at the screen, the keyboard, the books on the desk, and the surroundings. Changing your focus periodically will help relax your eye muscles and prevent eye strain.
Wear eye protection glasses In addition to sunglasses, glasses to avoid eye injuries when participating in sports activities, shooting, drilling and cutting jobs..., there are now glasses that help avoid blue light from computer screens, phones and TVs emit, help protect your eyes that you can refer to.
Get enough vitamins and nutrients Nutrients like omega fatty acids and green leafy vegetables, vitamins A, C and E are essential for maintaining healthy vision, while lutein and zeaxanthin may help protect the liver. point and retina.

Adhere to a healthy lifestyle Monitor your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, especially stopping smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for macular degeneration. People with diabetes also need to schedule regular eye exams and closely monitor blood sugar levels.
Other notes If you are wearing supportive glasses for eye diseases, regularly get your eyes checked to update the appropriate glasses. It is recommended to move the computer screen at a distance suitable for the eyes, and at the same time adjust the top of the screen to be at eye level. Use an anti-glare display, or change the night vision settings if necessary. Try to avoid direct glare from windows and lights when working. Finally, choose a comfortable chair that supports the best working posture.
Taking care of your eyesight by relaxing your eyes while sitting at a computer for a long time, driving long distances, reading or sewing... is an effective and first preventive step against serious eye diseases. When you feel dry, tired, itchy or painful eyes, try a warm compress to relax your eyes and practice good eye habits regularly.
If you are experiencing vision problems, go to a medical facility immediately to be examined and treated by doctors as soon as possible. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has vision-related service packages such as:
Refractive error screening package Cataract surgery consultation and examination package Ortho-K package BS CKI Nguyen Thi Bich Nhi has nearly 10 years of experience in the field of ophthalmology. Treatment of medical eye diseases as well as eye surgery such as: pterygium, entropion, milia, glaucoma and cataract surgery by Phaco method. Besides, it also treats diabetic retinopathy by intraocular Anti-VEGF injection and ophthalmic surgery. Currently, the doctor is an Eye Doctor in the Department of Medical Examination - Internal Medicine, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital
For more information, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register. Check online HERE.
Reference source: Webmd.com
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