Do you work in an office? If you’re like millions of Americans, you probably do. And while some critics will downplay the risk factors of working in an on a computer daily, don’t kid yourself, there are many. We already know sitting for long periods can cause a variety of health issues, including poor blood circulation, stress, and other heart conditions. But have you ever thought about how to protect and improve your vision at work?
Our eyes do more than just let us see. They are arguably the most important sense we have, and they directly impact our quality of life. Working in an office can put a lot of strain on your eyes — from staring at a computer all day to poor office lighting.
Don’t let your eye site suffer. Here are five easy tips for better office vision.
1. Adjust Your Computer Monitor
Staring at a monitor will strain your eyes throughout the day. There are a few simple changes you can make that will allow you to have better office vision. A few of them include:
- Positioning your computer monitor at arm’s length away from you. This is the optimal distance for reducing eye strain. Monitors that are too close or too far can make it difficult for you to focus.
- Adjust the height of your monitor. Your eyes should focus somewhere around two to three inches below the top area of your monitor.
- Choose the right zoom settings. When your eyes are forced to focus on small text, it strains them. Adjust the zoom settings for your desktop and browser to something that you can easily read.
- Increase your monitor’s brightness. If you’re having trouble seeing the content of your monitor, try increasing its brightness.
2. Take Vision Breaks
We all get lost in our work from time to time. There’s no avoiding that in the busy office work environment. But one of the easiest ways to achieve better office vision is to take breaks. Staring at a document on your computer for too long will strain your eyes. Stepping out and taking a break will give your eyes a breather, allowing you to stretch and get the blood flowing and reduce stress and tension.
One way to encourage this is to try the 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 rule. How does it work? Every 10 or 20 minutes you need to find an object 10 or 20 feet away and stare at it for 10 or 20 seconds. This action will force you to take a break and refocus your eyes on something other than your computer screen.
3. Keep Those Blinds Open
Modern offices are still bathed in fluorescent lights, which are hard on your eyes and mental health. In fact, those fluorescent lights even increase your stress levels. Natural light is extremely important if you want to reduce eye strain.
Wherever possible, open the blinds and let the natural light flow in. And if you work in a cubicle, we recommend buying a small desk lamp that allows you to improve the lighting in your work environment. This will help your eyes focus and reduce strain.
4. Wash Your Hands
Did you know that unclean hands can cause eye infections? Well, it’s true. The office is full of germs and even if you have great hygiene, someone you work with may not. Something as simple as getting some water from the water cooler, opening the fridge, or using a shared keyboard or mouse can put your eyes at risk.
Always take the time to wash your hands throughout the day. It only takes a few seconds and can reduce your risk of eye infections greatly.
5. See An Optometrist
Sometimes you need more than just simple adjustments. Almost everyone’s vision deteriorates as we age. This can occur naturally, because of genetic eye diseases, and other environmental factors.
The only way to guarantee better eye vision is to book an appointment with an Optometrist. A simple eye test can make a huge difference in diagnosing any problems you have with your eyes.
According to the Vision Council of America, nearly 75% of adults use some form of vision correction. Whether you need a pair of eyeglasses, contacts, or corrective surgery, an Optometrist is the first step to learning more about your vision and the health of your eyes.
Want Better Office Vision? Contact Us
If your goal is better office vision, Dr. Barry Leonard and Associates and our team of experienced Optometrists are the answer. Dr. Barry Leonard, also known as the “Best Optometrist in the Valley”, and his team of specialists are here to help you identify and correct your vision problems.
Don’t let your declining vision make it hard for you to enjoy the things you like to do. Contact us by phone at 818-891-6711 to book an appointment with one of our Optometrists today!
