Are your eyes working overtime while working from home?

Too much screen time can be causing you Eye strain

As we get closer to the one year anniversary of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we are also getting closer to working from home for a record amount of time. Many people have finally moved from working at the kitchen table or couch, to a real desk set up. What hasn’t improved is the amount of time we are spending looking at a digital screen. Our eyes are now looking at our computer or laptop screens and cell phones more than ever. Health experts are becoming increasingly concerned about an indirect consequence of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Eye Strain.

You may find your self experiencing symptoms like blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and even neck and shoulder pain. These can all result from spending too much time looking at digital screens. The main issue comes from extended visual activity as a result of spending so much time starring at the screen. The good news is there are some things that can be done to help ease the strain.

What can be done?

20/20/20 Rule- After looking at the screen for “20” minutes, take a “20” second break and look away at something “20” feet away.

Lighting your workspace- Soft lighting is best if you are looking at a computer. Harsh lighting can cause your computer screen to produce a glare which puts additional strain on your eyes.

Screen Settings– Make sure you go through your display settings and choose the right font size as well as contrast, to make sure you can easily read with out having to squint or strain.

Dry Eyes?- If you have dry eyes or are experiencing this, the use of artificial tears or eye drops can provide some much needed relief. If you find that does not help you should consult your eye doctor.

Spending so much time looking at digital screens is becoming the new normal. We just have to make adjustments and do the best we can to navigate and mitigate the risks the best we can. Remember to take breaks and look away from the screen when you can. If you just can’t get the dry eyes to stop or headaches to go away, it is always a good option to consult your doctor for more help. If you are an employer and do not offer vision coverage to your employees you may want to seriously consider it. Joe Courcy from CH’s Benefits Group can help answer any questions on how to roll this option out for your staff. As always, CH is in your corner!