Eye strain is gradually becoming a global pandemic. Now more than ever, it has become important to seek ways to reduce eye strain even when working.
Oprah Winfrey once said, “when I look into the future, it’s so bright it burns my eyes”. Such a beautiful saying is gradually becoming a myth because some dear tech bros are burning their eyes working on the computer. Soon, they might end up not having any eyes to see into the future.
For tech founders and indeed, everyone, self-care is the most important step to making millions. Then again, what is self-care without including your eyes? What’s a million dollars compared to perfect eyesight? If you do not reduce eye strain, you can be sure that it will reduce you.
Eye strain is a condition that occurs when the eyes get tired from prolonged use. This can be due to having to focus on an object for a long time or driving long distances.
Computer vision syndrome (CVS), is also referred to as digital eye strain. It describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that can result from prolonged computer, tablet, and cell phone use.
Sustained viewing of digital screens can increase the likelihood of computer vision syndrome and related symptoms. These symptoms include eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, itching and tired eyes, and neck/shoulder pain. These problems can become more pronounced with age.
The most common cause of eye strain is prolonged screen time. This means staring for a long time at any digital device e.g television, computer, mobile phone, etc.
Digital Eye Strain, The Global Pandemic
Digital eye strain mostly disappears on its own after taking a break from the screen and is usually treatable with making adjustments in our lifestyle practices.
As a tech bro, digital eye strain is unarguably one of the cons that come with the ecosystem. However, it is also essential that necessary steps are taken to reduce eye strain to the barest minimum.
Even as an employer, it is ethical to ensure that effective measures are put in place to reduce tech staff eye strain. This is important as they mostly spend their day on a computer screen.
The tech ecosystem is a wide and highly competitive space. Therefore, there might be need to increase the hours spent on the computer to outrun other counterparts. This should however not deter people from ensuring that they remain healthy enough to stay relevant for a long time.
On average, we spent almost 11 hours on our devices per day. While some take breaks in between these hours to rest, many others could go hours without taking breaks to rest their eyes. In the long run, this poses a threat to the person’s sight.
Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome(CVS) or Visual Fatigue(VF) is often associated with symptoms such as
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Eye irritation
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Inability to focus the eye
What then are the measures to reduce eye strain among your staff?
Tips To Reduce Eye Strain in the Digital Workspace
Adjust the Lights
Blue light is everywhere in today’s digital world but 72% of the population are unaware of its dangers. The level of light emitted by our device and those around us play a key role in increasing or reducing eye strain.
When in a bright environment, the light radiating from the device should be the brightest. Similarly, when in a dark environment, brightness should be reduced. Receiving too much light from our devices has damaging effects on the eyes which can lead to permanent eye damage such as blindness.
Take Regular Breaks
Focusing on other things rather than the screen goes a long way to helping a person reduce eye strain. At intervals, consciously take breaks and step away from glaring at the screen of your phone, computer or television.
The American Optometry Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule which means looking away at something which is 20 feet away for 20 seconds in every 20 minutes spent glaring at the screen. You can make use of the Eye Care 20 20 20 app to enable consistency in taking breaks.
Go for Regular Eye Checkups
There is the probability that underlying eye conditions can increase the frequency of having digital eye strain. Therefore, it is essential to regularly visit the optician from time to time to identify eye defects and effectively treat them.
Use Proper Eye Wear
Regular checkups ensure that you get the appropriate eyeglasses you need. One of the best eye wear recommended for digital eye strain is blue light blocking glasses. They help you reduce eye strain by reflecting or blocking blue light from entering the eyes through its lenses which have special coatings.
Blink as Often as Possible
The excessive use of the eyes causes the dryness of the eyes which causes eye strain. One of the most effective ways to moisturize the eyes is by blinking often. Blinking helps to keep the eyes moisturized by distributing tears across the surface of your eyes. While it has been observed that we naturally blink less when focused on screens, we must make a conscious effort to blink often to reduce digital eye strain.
Position the Screens Correctly
It is essential to ensure that the device being used is aligned with your head. You should also ensure the screen level is slightly below of your eyes. This will help you read texts at the perfect eye level. Make sure you’re looking at the device at the correct distance which should be about an arm’s length away.
In Conclusion,
You only have a pair of eyes and considering the importance of these eyes, it is important to care for them properly and reduce eye strain and every other damage to the barest minimum.
It’s not a crime to be a tech bro but guard your eyes diligently before they become permanently damaged.
