Navigating eye wellness in the workplace
Our workplace situation has never been more dynamic. While some people continue to work from home, others now work in a hybrid model. Some workplaces have returned to in-office daily, while others are letting people choose their best work situation. But no matter how you are getting the job done these days, workplace eye wellness continues to play an important role in being an effective employee.
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, and we are looking at some of the most effective ways to protect your vision and improve your comfort in the workplace, no matter where it is located.
What is digital eye strain?
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The most common vision problem people experience when working in the office or at home is digital eye strain. This is caused by spending too much time in front of screens. This has been a growing concern in the workplace due to people spending countless hours in front of their computers working, having virtual meetings, and communicating with co-workers.
What are the symptoms of digital eyestrain?
You may not realize it, but your eyes are under tremendous strain as you sit in front of a computer for hours at a time. Not allowing yourself regular breaks, can lead to painful and long-term vision health concerns.
The most common symptoms of digital eyes strain are:
- Dry eyes
- Red eyes
- Headaches
- Stiff or sore neck
- Blurred vision
These symptoms can make it difficult to complete tasks and leave you feeling tired in the workplace.
How to improve workplace eye health
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One of the biggest challenges working in front of a screen for a prolonged amount of time is knowing when to take breaks. Emphasis is often put on maximizing production, but to do this it is important to make sure you are comfortable.
This begins with creating an effective and productive workspace. Many people who work from home rely on a kitchen table or even their bed to act as a makeshift office. Neither of these spaces was designed to replace an office long-term. So, whether you are working from home or in the office it’s important to have a comfortable and practical workspace.
You can also create a workspace that is well-lit to reduce eye strain. The best home office lighting for eyes can be achieved by adding an extra table lamp or working near a window to increase the level of light while you work.
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It’s important to sit at a comfortable distance away from your screen. The best distance is between 20 and 40 inches. If you find yourself sitting too close or too far away from the screen it may be time to consult our optometrists for an updated prescription.
Keeping your screen just below eye level is essential for maximum comfort. We strongly advise against forcing your eyes to look up or twist your body to see your screen. This will increase eye strain and overall discomfort while working at your desk.
You can also reduce reflections and glare from your monitor. Do not have lights pointing directly at the monitor and consider changing your screen brightness settings.
Lastly, you’ve got to take regular breaks! We recommend the 20-20-20 rule to help you do this effectively. Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away. This will allow your eyes to refocus and relax and increase your comfort level.
Contact our eye doctors in Oak Lawn or Orland Park
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If you notice a change in your vision, simply contact our eye doctors in Oak Lawn or in our new store in Orland Park, and they will be able provide you with vision solutions that will improve your comfort level and help you see better. Schedule your eye exam in Oak Lawn or Orland Park on our website today!