This Workplace Eye Wellness Month, learn simple steps you can take every day to maintain good vision and eye health.
Eye wellness is crucial not only to our personal lives, but also in the workplace. Good vision is essential to many work-related tasks, including reading, writing, driving, and using computers. However, prolonged periods in front of a screen and exposure to eye hazards can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and even eye injuries. Therefore promoting and enacting eye wellness practices in the workplace are vital to maintaining good eye health. This month we are reminded to prioritize our eye health and learn about ways to protect our vision at work.
Here are 6 practical tips for this March, Workplace Eye Wellness Month, to take care of your eyes and vision while working:
Adopt healthy habits
An all round healthy lifestyle can reduce eye strain and the risks of eye diseases. Eating a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all contribute to keeping your eyes and body healthy.
Quit smoking
Aside from the known health risks associated with smoking, smokers are at an increased risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, uveitis, dry eyes, and other eye disorders. Many colleagues tend to take smoke-breaks together. Cut out those smoke breaks at work to reduce the risks of eye conditions and maintain healthy vision.
Set yourself up for success
Workstations should be set up properly to minimize eye strain and maximize eye comfort. Adjust your workspace for a comfortable angle,distance, and lighting: it is recommended to have your screen about an arm's length away, and positioned slightly below eye level. Furthermore, it's essential to adjust your lighting to ensure you have adequate illumination. Avoid using harsh, bright lights that can cause glares on your screen; opt for softer lighting which illuminates your workspace without causing eye strain. Using an anti-glare or blue light filter can also help reduce glare from your computer screen. An eye-friendly work environment can reduce eye fatigue and prevent dry eyes and other eye-related problems.
Maintain Proper Eye Hygiene
Maintaining proper eye hygiene is crucial to preventing eye infections and other issues. Wash your hands regularly to avoid transferring bacteria to your eyes. Avoid touching your eyes, especially if your hands are dirty. If you wear contact lenses, ensure that you clean, disinfect, and replace them regularly. Make sure your workspace is clean of dust and debris, as this can irritate your eyes.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Your eye doctor may recommend specific glasses based on your needs and lifestyle. To maintain good vision, it is really important to wear the correct glasses suited to your eyes. Get regular eye exams to detect vision or eye-related problems early and prevent visual degradation. If you have diabetes, it's especially important to get an annual diabetic eye exam. Today, with newly available, FDA-cleared AI technology, diabetic eye exams can be performed by primary care providers, replacing the need for dilated specialist exams. Companies like AEYE Health are making diabetic retinopathy screening more accessible and affordable. At your next visit, inquire with your provider regarding AEYE Health’s diabetic eye exam.
The 20-20-20 Rule
Using digital devices for extended periods can lead to eye strain, eye fatigue, and dry eyes. One of the most effective ways to look after your eyes at work is to take screen breaks regularly. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple technique for reducing eye strain and improving visual hygiene, especially for those at work who spend hours looking at screens. The rule is easy to remember and follow, and involves taking a break every 20 minutes, and looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
By following the 20-20-20 rule, you can give your eyes a rest and help prevent eye strain, headaches, and other vision problems that can result from prolonged screen use at work.
In conclusion, looking after your eyes at work is crucial to maintaining good vision and eye health,preventing eye problems. By taking regular breaks from screen time, adjusting lighting and positioning, maintaining proper eye hygiene, getting regular eye exams and living a healthy lifestyle, you can protect your eyes and enjoy clear, healthy vision for years to come.
