March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. This month, we’re promoting awareness surrounding eye safety at work.
Today, you may not think about your eye safety, if you like so many, work in an office environment. Eye related problems are more common in office workers than those who work in jobs like construction.
Why? Because of computers. Staring at a screen all day can have a negative effect on your eye health. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of Workplace Eye Wellness Month!
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome is an increasingly common issue amongst office workers. If you work on a computer all day, you may be familiar with the symptoms, which include:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Eye pain
- Fatigue
- Dry eye
- Dizziness
If you experience many of these symptoms and spend most of your time looking at a computer screen, you may have CVS. If you think you may have CVS, see an eye care professional.
They’ll be able to diagnose if you have CVS and confirm the symptoms are not from another condition.
The Complications of Too Much Screen Time
The symptoms of CVS often feed into themselves. The more pain you’re in, the harder it is to stare at a bright screen and the worse you’ll feel.
Over time, if you do nothing to change your environment, the symptoms will get worse. Eye strain and dry eye symptoms may even start to affect your life in and outside of work. Luckily, there are solutions to CVS that do not involve quitting your job.
Preventing Long-Term Damage
There are a variety of ways you can address symptoms of CVS:
- Blink: It may sound obvious, but remembering to blink can help, especially when it comes to dry eyes. Your eyes need moisture, and they get a lot of that moisture when you blink. So blink frequently, especially when you’re using a screen.
- Follow The 20-20-20 Rule: Following this rule is a good way to make sure that you don’t strain your eyes too much. Make sure that every 20 minutes, you stop to look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. That’s all it is! The 20-20-20 rule gives your eyes something else to focus on and gives them a break from your screen. This can reduce any eye strain you may experience throughout the day.
- Have Regular Eye Exams: Having an eye exam every few years is a good idea no matter what you do for work. This is especially important if you’re over 40. There are several eye-related conditions that can make CVS symptoms worse if left untreated. Your eye care professional can offer treatment options for CVS, including eye drops or specialized eyewear.
- Anti-Glare Glasses: Your doctor may recommend anti-glare glasses as a way to combat CVS. If they don’t, ask them about them. At Shepherd Eye Center, we offer lenses with an anti-glare coating that can be used with most of our frames. This coating reduces the amount of light you’re exposing your eyes to when you spend time looking at a screen. This can reduce CVS symptoms, especially when used with these other treatment techniques.
Want to keep your eyes happy and healthy? Schedule an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center in Las Vegas, NV!
