By Ben Birch

Pursuing digital art can be incredibly exciting and fulfilling, whether you’re working on your next creation, setting up or running a blog, or finding opportunities to get your name in the digital art world.

However, while you’re focused on your craft and improving your skills, you may not realize the effect it’s having on you physically. Your eyes are especially vulnerable when working on digital art, as you spend hours in front of your computer, tablet, or phone. Rather than putting up with eye strain, headaches, or dryness, stay aware of your eye health to keep your vision and eyes in good shape.

Here’s how to keep your eyes healthy while working on your digital art.

How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy While Working On Your Digital Art Digital Arts Blog

Take breaks

It’s easy to get absorbed when you’re creating a new artwork, but your eyes can suffer from looking at your device for too long. Focusing on a near object for a prolonged time can make your eyes feel strained and fatigued. Instead of brushing it off, take a break and give your eyes time to rest. A break can give you time to hydrate your eyes and allow it to refocus and move.

To help you take breaks regularly, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule. This involves looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. It’s quick, so it won’t take too much of your time and disrupt your creative flow, but it’s still effective when done consistently. Set an alarm or timer on your device to let you know when it’s time to step away from your workstation.

Breaks may even be great for your digital art, as spending a few minutes away from your work can help you revisit it with a fresh perspective.

Wear the right eyewear

If you’ve noticed yourself squinting or feeling strained when looking at your computer or tablet screen, it might be time to find eyewear to help you out. Blurred vision, fatigued eyes, and headaches from lack of vision correction or protection can affect your digital art. Poor or strained sight can make it harder to work on small details, spot mistakes, or utilize your tools well.

If you’re struggling to see your work, you may need prescription glasses or are due to update your prescription. You can easily browse through eyeglasses online to find a pair that suits your style and vision needs. Eyebuydirect’s Vinyl and Romy frames blend functionality and fashion, and you can easily add your prescription and choose your lenses before checking out.

Blue light glasses can also help if you often struggle with digital eye strain or trouble sleeping when working on your digital art projects. They block the blue light from your devices to boost comfort and visibility.

Keep your eyes hydrated

When working in front of a screen, you tend to blink less frequently, which can cause your eyes to dry out faster than usual. Dry eyes can cause discomfort and irritation, especially when wearing contact lenses. Stay hydrated to keep your eyes moist while working on your digital art. Blinking frequently is the easiest way to restore moisture, so stay aware of your blinking or set a reminder on your device to remind you.

Drink water regularly to help your tears function well. You can keep a reusable water bottle on your desk to take quick sips throughout the day; an insulated bottle can keep your water cool for longer, so you won’t need to keep getting a new glass when it gets warm.

Eye drops can also offer relief from dryness. The Rohto Dual Light Relief eye drops soothe and hydrate the eyes and protect the eyes from light from digital sources and the sun. Avoid facing a source of air like a fan or AC unit, as your tears can evaporate quickly.