March is the month that many of the leading organizations promoting healthy vision, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, recognize Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Given how many hours a day most adults spend at their jobs, this recognition is a valuable reminder about the importance of maintaining eye health in the workplace.
One of the leading threats to eye health in the workplace is eye strain. Eye strain on the job is commonly caused by looking at an electronic screen, like a computer monitor or tablet, for extended periods of time.
Keep reading to learn some tips to reduce eye strain in the office during Workplace Eye Wellness Month!
What Does Eye Strain Feel Like?
Sometimes called computer vision syndrome, eye strain can cause symptoms including:
• Uncomfortably dry eyes
• Eyes that are sore or burn
• Itchy eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry or double-vision
If you recognize any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing work-related eye strain. For healthier vision in your workplace, here are some tips to help reduce eye strain in your office.
Blink Regularly
People who spend long hours staring at a screen often forget to blink. Blinking regularly spreads your tears across the surface of your eye, keeping them moist and preventing irritation.
Take Frequent Breaks
Taking a break from work at least once an hour gives your eyes some much-needed rest. You can get the most out of your break by stepping away from your work area and moving your body with some light stretching or a brief walk.
Minimize Glare
The glare that comes off an electronic screen can be caused not just by the brightness of your screen, but also by the reflection of overhead lighting or sunlight coming through windows. You can cut down on glare by adjusting the placement of your screen or using an anti-glare filter.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
You can reduce potential eye strain by following the 20-20-20 rule. The 20-20-20 rule is simple: every twenty minutes, look at an object at least twenty feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Use Glasses that Block Blue Light
Most electronic screens emit blue light that your eyes cannot effectively filter, leading to eye strain. You can reduce your exposure to blue light by wearing a pair of non-prescription glasses with special photochromatic lenses or by choosing lenses for your prescription glasses, which include a coating that blocks blue light.
Make Sure Your Workspace is Properly Lit
Low light in your workspace can strain your eyes as they struggle to adjust from one light condition to another. Placing incandescent lighting on either side of your work area creates equal brightness and relieves eye strain.
Schedule Annual Eye Exams
Eye strain can be caused by an undiagnosed vision problem or an incorrect vision prescription. Scheduling annual eye exams with a knowledgeable eye care provider, like Shepherd Eye Center, can ensure your vision is clear and comfortable at work.
If your job involves spending long hours in front of a computer or other electronic device, eye strain can be a real workplace hazard. This Workplace Eye Wellness Month, consider these helpful tips to reduce your risk of eye strain on the job!
Are your eyes tired and red at the end of the day? Shepherd Eye Center can offer you effective relief from work-related eye strain. Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center at one of our five locations in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV, today!
