Visual hygiene

Seeing well is not just reading the bottom line

Even with 20/20 vision your eyes can get tired: burning, heaviness, difficulty focusing after hours at the computer or with books. What matters is not only how much you see, but also how comfortably you can use your eyes throughout the day.

What visual hygiene is

Visual hygiene, often also called eye exercises, is a set of exercises and good habits for using your eyes more comfortably, especially for close work. The aim is to reduce eye strain (asthenopia) and improve comfort.

It does not replace glasses or contact lenses and does not correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia. If you have specific convergence or focusing difficulties, the most suitable option is vision therapy.

Who it is for

  • People who spend many hours at the computer, tablet or smartphone
  • Students and keen readers
  • People whose eyes feel tired, heavy or sore at the end of the day
  • People who struggle to refocus when switching from near to far

If your vision has become blurred or has changed, the first step is an eye test: the cause is often an outdated prescription. If the loss of vision is sudden, see an ophthalmologist straight away.

How it works

  1. Eye test and assessment of how you use your eyes (distances, screen time, lighting)
  2. Personalised exercises to do at home or at the office
  3. Practical advice on your workstation, breaks and the glasses best suited to your work
  4. Progress check

Some useful habits to start right away

  • 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 6 metres (20 feet) away for 20 seconds
  • Remember to blink: in front of a screen we do it much less
  • Keep the screen at arm's length, slightly below eye level
  • Avoid reflections and strong contrasts of light between the screen and the room

If your eyes are dry or irritated after many hours in front of a screen, you will also find information on the eye strain page.

Consistency matters

The exercises work if done regularly, following the instructions you have been given. We support you throughout and check together how things are going.

Questions about the exercises? Read the questions about vision exercises.

How to get started

We start with an eye test, in our store in Pieve di Soligo.

Book an appointment

Or call us on 0438 83409 · Via Gaetano Schiratti 2, Pieve di Soligo.