Regardless of the industry you work in, it’s always important to be aware of the strain you’re putting on your eyes. Do you know how much time you spend staring at a computer screen each day? According to a recent report from the Vision Council, more than 60 percent of adults spend five or more hours on digital devices each day. The report also found that office workers who spend significant amount of time in front computer screens can experience eye strain and undergo changes in their tear fluids similar to people with dry eye disease.
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month and a great time to be reminded of the simple steps we can take to reduce digital eye strain and protect our vision in the workplace. Here’s some tips that will help keep your eyes healthy and productive for years to come:
- Place your computer screen 20-26 inches away from your eyes, at eye level
- Use a document holder next to your computer screen, close enough so you don’t have to constantly change eye focus by swinging your head back and forth
- Adjust the size of the text on your screen to a comfortable level
- Change your computer’s lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections
- Follow the 20-20-20 break method:
- Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away
These tips can also be applied at home when using digital devices for leisure time. The most important step you can take in protecting your vision is to visit an eye doctor for a dilated eye exam to make sure you are seeing clearly and to detect any potential issues. Schedule your eye exam today at Illinois Eye Center by calling (309) 243-2400 or visit www.illinoiseyecenter.com for more information.
