6 Must Things to calm your eyes while programming for a long time.
Dark or Light: Take one side
In my childhood, I enjoyed writing HTML code on a Notepad dipped with a white screen background. And, there is no issue switching between notepad and webpage. Maybe, most of the time both screens have a light background color, or my sitting time was not that long as it is today.
In the current hood, where most of the new IDEs — Sublime, Vscode, Atom have default dark background color. And, of course, dark background help programmers to concentrate better with light color text for a longer period. However, some programmers still prefer light color background.
Now, coming to the problem, working on dark background for a longer period hurts your eyes in case you see a suddenly glaring white screen. To resolve that, either manually adjust the brightness of the screen frequently or wait for your pupil to adjust.
Well, the solution to the problem is to take one side of the coin. Since no one is interested to wait for the pupil to adjust to the screen or manually adjust brightness frequently.
#FFFFFF: The lighter one: Most of the time, web pages, or the web application you are working on have a light background. So, why not IDE, it might take time to adjust initially, but once you habit of reading code in that color combination, you will get used to that. And, there will be no issue in switching between the web and your IDE.
#000000: The darker side: Working in the dark background with colorful code always been a great experience if working constantly on IDE. But, switching to the glaring screen instantly hurts eyes a lot, especially the web browser where most of the web pages have a light background.
So, to strict to a darker mode, I have changed web pages with the lighter background to a darker one with help of chrome extension Dark Mode Reader. I have been using this application for quite a long time and must say it is really awesome. You can try other apps as well by searching in the chrome web store.
20–20-20 Rule: The Famous one
Look away from your mobile/laptop screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds then look at objects that are at least 20 feet away. This activity helps in relaxing the focusing muscles inside the eye to reduce fatigue.
Computer Glasses: Anti Reflective & Blue lens
For those who are already wearing glasses, it's time to change your lenses with a lens that reflects blue light, and for those who don’t, it's time to shop for a geeky or stylish frame of your choice of course with zero number computer glasses. I recommend buying those glasses that reflect blue light. It is way better than glasses with green light reflection. I have tried both and must say blue reflection glasses suits better to calm eyes strain.
Lightning in your room: Matters a lot
Well, if your light source — bulb, the tube, etc came from the background, then make sure it doesn’t strike your screen, otherwise, your eyes will definitely face irritation. Try to choose a position to sit just below the light source or screen bar lamp.
Keep hydrated: To maintain your 75% water level :)
Your eyes may be dried up after long working hours, Drinking plenty of water in a day keeps you feel hydrated and it helps your eyes too. Since drinking a lot of water will help to hydrate your eyes to help reduce eye strain. Take full benefit of working form home these days.
Work outdoor: Natural light
Speaking about my experience, In winter, I have spent most of my daytime under sunlight and I must say it doesn’t feel any kind of eye strain if you are working for a long time. However, you might experience low brightness of the screen, but If you try to cover your screen from sunlight by any means, it will definitely help.
