Guwahati's Digital Strain:
5 Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Screens

The simplest and most effective tool for eye health is free. Our eyes weren't designed to stare at a fixed point for hours. When we do, the ciliary muscles in our eyes become fatigued.

• The Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Why it works: Looking into the distance allows the internal focusing muscles of the eye to relax completely. In a city like Guwahati, looking out of your window at the greenery of the hills is the perfect way to reset your focus.

Many people believe that standard reading glasses are enough for screen work. However, computer screens are usually positioned at an "intermediate" distance — farther than a book, but closer than the TV.

At Lens Master, we provide customized computer glasses that feature:

• Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating: This reduces the glare from overhead office lights and screen reflections that cause squinting.
• Blue-Light Filtering: While research is ongoing regarding long-term retinal health, blue-light filters are proven to improve sleep quality by preventing the suppression of melatonin, especially if you work late into the night.

Ergonomics plays a massive role in eye comfort. Dr. Siddique recommends the following setup for your Guwahati office:

• Distance: The screen should be about 20 to 28 inches from your eyes (roughly an arm's length).
• Height: The top of your monitor should be at or slightly below eye level. Looking slightly downward reduces the amount of eye surface exposed to the air, which helps prevent dry eyes.

Did you know that we blink 60% less when looking at a screen? Blinking is the eye's way of reapplying a fresh layer of tears. Without it, the surface of the eye dries out, leading to that "burning" sensation.

• The Tip: Make a conscious effort to blink fully every time you hit "Enter" or finish reading a paragraph.
• Pro Tip: If you live in dusty or humid parts of Guwahati, using preservative-free artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) can provide an extra layer of protection.

Your screen shouldn't be the brightest thing in the room. If your office is dim but your screen is glowing like a torch, your eyes will strain to adjust to the contrast.

• Match the Light: Adjust your screen brightness to match the ambient light in your room.
• Night Mode: Use "Warm" or "Night Mode" settings on your smartphone and laptop after sunset to reduce the high-energy visible (HEV) blue light.