ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Eye strain

Imagine you are sitting in front of a TV or computer screen for a long time. Your eyes may start to feel tired and achy. This is called eye strain.

Eye strain happens because your eyes have to work hard to focus on the screen. Your eyes have muscles that help them move and focus, and when you look at a screen, these muscles have to work extra hard. Looking at bright screens can also be hard on your eyes.

When you stare at a screen for a long time, you might forget to blink. Blinking is important because it helps keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If you don’t blink enough, your eyes can feel dry, scratchy, and irritated.

To avoid eye strain, it’s important to take breaks from looking at screens. Every 20 minutes, try to look away from your screen at something else for about 20 seconds. This can help give your eyes a rest, and reduce eye strain.

You can also adjust the brightness and contrast on your screen to make it more comfortable for your eyes. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you have the right prescription, as this can also help reduce eye strain.

If you are experiencing eye strain often, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or an eye specialist. They can help you find ways to prevent eye strain and make sure your eyes are healthy.