5 Eye Health Tips for Working From Home
Working remotely brings both benefits and obstacles. On one hand, when working from home, your day may lack diversity in tasks, leading to prolonged periods of screen time. To combat this, it’s essential to take frequent breaks and consider getting a recent eye check-up for new prescription safety glasses. Below are five strategies for maintaining eye wellness while telecommuting.
1. Take Screen Breaks Every Twenty Minutes
If you use computers or devices with backlit screens for prolonged periods of time, regular breaks reduce cumulative eye strain. Vision experts recommend the 20-20-20 Rule. Set a timer for 20 minutes while you work to remind you to take a break for at least 20 seconds and shift the focus of your eyes to an object situated at least 20 feet away.
Other eye health tips for prolonged screen use include remembering to blink to keep your eyes from becoming overly dry, adjusting monitor positioning or brightness settings and using a document holder.
2. Get a New Pair of Prescription Safety Glasses
Optical prescriptions are valid for one to two years. If it has been over a year since your last vision screening, consider going back to the optometrist to get an updated prescription.
A new pair of prescription eyewear can help you see clearly and reduce eye strain while working at home. If your job or hobbies involve safety hazards such as impact or exposure to dust, droplets or splashes, get safety glasses to correct your vision and protect your eyes.
3. Adjust Lighting Levels In Your Workspace
Ambient light levels affect the ease with which you can focus on a screen. Light sources can also increase blue light levels, which could affect your circadian rhythm, or the cycle on which you sleep and wake.
Low-level, glare-free lighting is the best choice for home workspaces. You can add or switch out lighting sources or consider options for allowing more natural light in during the day.
4. Consider Wearing Blue Light-Blocking Lenses
Blue-light blockers modulate exposure to blue light emitted by backlit computer and device screens. Blue light blocking lenses tend to have amber tint, and some provide magnification.
It is possible to put blue light-blocking lenses in prescription-ready frames. Whether or not you need glasses for vision correction, blue light-blocking lenses limit eye strain.
5. Eat Food That Supports Eye Health and Exercise Regularly
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals support optimal eyesight and overall eye health. Stock up on carrots, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables and eggs or nuts for eye health.
Many remote workers find it easier to prepare healthy meals, either on a daily basis or in advance. It can also be easier to make time for exercise.
These tips can help you maintain eye health when you have more control over your working environment than is often possible in an office. Whether you have been working remotely for a while or have recently started spending one or more days a week out of the office, a pair of prescription safety glasses can make prolonged computer or device use more comfortable.
