When it comes to health issues at work, eye health typically falls low on the list. Understandably, employees tend to be more concerned with their posture, sedentary lifestyles and eating habits. But one of the most important health problems created by jobs today is eye aggravation.
If you work at an office or at home, chances are you’re interacting with digital screens for the majority of the day, whether it’s a laptop, desktop, smartphone, tablet or TV. Digital eye strain is a serious health issue that gets worse as use increases, so it’s important to be mindful of your eye health to avoid the negative effects.
What is Digital Eye Strain?
Do you ever get headaches, dry eyes or eye, neck and back pain after using your computer for a few hours? These are likely the symptoms of digital eye strain, which usually occurs after extended engagement with electronics because users tend to blink less when using digital devices. Additionally, blue light wavelengths radiate from digital screens and cause strain on your retinas, leading to headaches and eye pain. You should be diligent about preventing digital eye strain because the more you interact with digital screens, the more at risk you are of damaging your retinas and experiencing these side effects.
How Can You Avoid These Symptoms?
1. While using your devices, be aware of the lighting around you. As the day goes on or you change your workspace location, you may have to adjust the brightness on your screen to mimic the lighting in the room, which reduces the strain on your eyes. This keeps you from staring at bright screens in dark rooms or vice versa.
2. Remember to blink often or use eye drops from a trusted eye brand to keep your eyes hydrated. Using a product to supplement your natural tear production can help you avoid dry, itchy eyes and blurred vision.
3. Keep your computer at a comfortable height. Your screen should be about an arm’s length away from you and your eyes should line up with the top third of your screen. This will help you view your screen without straining your eyes, neck or back.
4. Did you know that you can get glasses that block out some of the blue light that radiates off of digital devices? If you spend a lot of time using devices, be sure to buy some blue light filtering lenses to protect yourself from damaging your retinas and to drastically reduce eye strain and headaches.
5. Finally, take regular breaks from your screens. At least once an hour, try to disengage from your screen for 5 minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and can help with productivity and focus!
Eye health plays a bigger role in your life than you may have thought. So, protect your peepers to avoid the uncomfortable and distracting side effects of digital eye strain.