Tips For Better Eye Wellness at the Workplace
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May 30, 2022
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Most individuals spend most of their time staring at screens - desktop monitors, laptops, smartphones, tablets and more. There is growing evidence that suggests our increasing screen time is causing increased strain on our eyes. Whether you work in an office or sit primarily in front of your laptop at home, this blog provides useful tips on eye wellness.
Recent studies show that 5 to 6 hours of computing on a computer screen has adverse effects on the eye. These factors include poor posture, improper functioning of certain muscles and repetitive stress injury (RSI). Eye well-being is crucial for a successful career and healthy life.
- Follow these simple tips to help keep your eyes healthy and avoid potential problems:
Drink plenty of water
Keep your eyes well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Also, Blink often to keep your eyes moist.
·Eat healthy food
Eating a variety of vegetables, especially leafy green ones, helps improve the health and function of your retina. Although eating carrots is beneficial, carrots alone will not safeguard your eyes. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because they contain antioxidants that help reduce the risk for eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and cancerous tumours.
·20-20-20 rule
Follow the 20-20-20 guidelines to give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Another exercise that improves eye health at work is to stare at something far away for 10-15 seconds, then look at something close for 10-15 seconds. Then return your attention to the distant thing. Do this ten times.
·Avoid glare and reflections
Eliminate glare on your screen by adjusting the brightness and contrast settings, or using a glare filter. Use a computer with an anti-glare screen to reduce eye fatigue. Control incoming sunlight by using curtains or shades. Use fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes or use lower intensity bulbs, to reduce interior lighting. Place your screen such that the windows are on the side, rather than in front or behind it.
- Regular eye check-up
The important step, to maintaining healthy eyes is to get regular eye exams to check for potential problems.
Only a dilated or comprehensive eye exam will detect eye disorders in their early stages. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact a doctor or optometrist as soon as possible:
• Your eyes have become light-sensitive;
• Your vision becomes blurred
• You have weary eyes and difficulties focusing on any object.
• You have a sore or red eye.
As a thumb rule, go for a general eye test twice a year.
Eye strain is a common problem, especially among people who work in front of a computer all day. By following above mentioned simple tips, you can protect your eyes and keep them healthy. If you experience any problems with your vision, it is always a good idea to have a general eye test.