So many people work in front of a computer screen nowadays that you would probably be in the minority if you did not. Due to the increased use of computers/tablets/smart phones in the workplace it is important to find ways to ergonomically keep your eyes healthy. Here are a few tips to help:
- When you look at objects closer to you your eyes have to adjust their focus which means they need to work harder. For your computer monitor it is best to keep the screen approximately 24-28 inches away from your face. A good way to estimate that length is to use the length of your arm as a guide. Also make sure the angle of your screen is slightly below your line of sight so you do not have to look too high or low when looking at your screen.
- Many of the screens you use can create distracting and harmful glare. One way to combat the glare is to have a filter put over the top of the computer screen or to get glasses that have an anti-glare or anti-reflective coating. There are also special anti-glare coatings that protect your eyes from Blue light as well as standard light.
- The eyes ability to focus work like a muscle and as such it is important to not overwork the muscle. A good tip is to follow the 20/20/20 rule. This rule states that after 20 minutes of up close work you should look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The idea is to relax the muscle and give it a quick break to reduce eyestrain.
- Make sure the lighting on your screen is close to the lighting of your environment. If the screen is much brighter than your environment this will create more strain on the eyes. You can also increase the contrast on the screen as well to reduce strain.
- Many work environments are typically in an office setting. This type of setting usually includes humidity controlled setting or forced hot air and fans. This can create a very dry environment which can induce dry eyes. If you can have a desktop humidifier or keep artificial tears with you to take as needed this can help increase the moisture in the air and on your eyes.
If you find you are experiencing eyestrain or dryness because of the work demands on a computer, please feel free to schedule an exam with one of our doctors today to discuss ways to improve you eye health in the workplace (860) 233-2020.
