Tips for Avoiding Eye Strain

04 Apr Tips for Avoiding Eye Strain

The majority of the workforce today spends an enormous time staring at a computer screen. At work it is a requirement and at home it doesn’t stop – we always seem to be connected via computer monitor, smartphone, or tablet. As the hours of eye strain stack up, it’s no surprise that our eyes are not very happy at the end of the work day. Symptoms of eye strain are eye irritation (red, watery, or dry eyes), eye fatigue (tired, aching heaviness of the eyelids, or forehead), difficulty in focusing, and headaches. Luckily eye strain does not result in permanent eye damage, but you should still take steps to avoid the discomfort.

Eye strain, backache, and muscle spasms can also improve with proper arrangement of the computer screen and seating area – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides helpful suggestions on how you can arrange your workspace to minimize pain.

How does your personal workstation stack up to the recommended setup? Do you sit with proper posture and remember to change positions, stretch, and take breaks?

In addition to maximizing the ergonomics of your physical work space, you should lubricate your eyes by blinking frequently or using artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) and keep your work area clean to minimize eye irritation from dust. Standard office lighting may be too bright for comfortable computer use, so minimize glare on screens by adjusting office lights or using hoods or filters on monitors. Above all, you should be wearing the appropriate prescription for computer work. Make an appointment today to have your prescription adjusted to minimize discomfort.