7 Tricks to Take Care of Your Eyes at Work
Of all the senses, vision tends to be one that we rely heavily upon. It helps us get the information from our computers to perform the required tasks at work. For many people, the workplace means sitting behind a desk and reading from their screen. The workplace has evolved and is no longer one location. With the help of telecommuting, expansions and multiple locations nationwide and/or international, the dependence of reading from a screen as opposed to paper has increased tremendously.
While modern technology has been able to make screens bigger, smaller, and transportable, they now allow for us to use them for long periods of time. Increased exposure to the squinting and bright light can lead to issues whether they initially begin in the workplace or simply overuse due to dependence to the device.
These issues can cause a wide variety of problems from difficulty focusing on distant objects, headaches, blurred vision, double-vision, neck or back aches, tired eyes, dry eyes, and eye strain.
To help combat these problems, having the correct amount of light can make working in an office (and elsewhere) far more enjoyable and beneficial. Poor lighting can contribute to the above symptoms and play a role in your comfort in the office. In addition to lighting, you can find ways other workers are changing how they work to reduce eye strain.
Getting Your Eyes Comfy in the Office – Tips to prevent eye strain
- Use filters to diffuse overhead lighting and dim the lights if possible
- Use task lighting
- Cover windows with adjustable blinds to avoid bright sunlight or glare or use an antiglare screen cover
- Learn how to adjust the brightness and contrast on your monitor
- Use a light-colored background on your computer screen
- Make sure your monitor is arm length away from your body
- Every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, look at something that is 20 feet or more away from you
Be aware of incentives and benefits that your employer offers. Take advantage of eye exams and vision packages. It is in the employers best interest to keep the employees’ working at their best. Addressing the issues and offering these benefits help show that they are valued. While this is not a new concept, getting your eyes checked should be considered similar to a dentist appointment. Just because you can see everything, doesn’t mean that there could be factors contributing to the way you work. An eye test can help determine if glasses will help alleviate some or all your eye strain. Keep your productivity and drive going by taking care of yourself.
For more information visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/lighting_survey.html