6 Eye Care Tips for People Who Work Remotely

The number of people working remotely has increased exponentially during the coronavirus pandemic, and it's not hard to see why. Firstly, by working remotely, people can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading. It also allows them to use their time more wisely and gives them more flexibility in terms of the type and location of their work.

However, remote working is not without its challenges, one of which has a lot to do with eye health. If you’re one of the many people who have switched to remote working due to the pandemic, you probably spend most of your working hours staring at your computer screen. This can lead to eye strain, known as digital overload.

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of eye and vision problems caused by prolonged use of digital devices. It can lead to blurred vision, eye redness and eye dryness. If left untreated, eye strain can cause significant and frequent discomfort. It can also have a negative impact on your productivity and work efficiency.

The good news is that you can prevent digital eye strain and keep your eyes healthy while working remotely by following these tips:

Take Regular Breaks

Working remotely means sitting in front of your computer for hours on end. If you don't take regular breaks, this can lead to eye strain and headaches. To avoid discomfort, follow the 20-20-20 rule. With this method, you look away from your screen and focus your eyes on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Do this every 20 minutes.

Don’t forget to take real breaks where you step away from your computer. Get a glass of water, listen to a song or two in another room or go outside for a few minutes.

Maintain good posture

Don’t underestimate the importance of good posture when it comes to looking after your eyes. When you sit down in front of your computer, keep your feet flat on the floor and your wrists slightly raised instead of resting them on the keyboard. Your monitor should be set so that you are looking slightly downwards, as this is easier on the eyes than looking straight ahead or upwards.

A downward gaze also reduces the risk of being affected by draughts. This is particularly important if you have heating, ventilation and air conditioning in your room. Also, try to sit up straight. Leaning over your desk can cause tension in your back and shoulders, which can restrict the blood supply to your eyes and cause vision problems.

Adjust lightning while you work remotely

The right room lighting is also important for eye health. If the room is too bright or too dark, you have to squint to see what’s on your screen. Blinking in itself is not a harmful habit. But if you do it too often, especially in front of a computer screen, it can lead to eye strain and headaches.

As well as adjusting the lighting in your room, you should also adjust the brightness of your screen to a level that is comfortable for you. Your screen should be bright enough so that you don’t have to squint to see well, but not so bright that it looks like your screen is glowing.

Blink more frequently

The act of blinking is usually considered involuntary. But if you are working in front of a computer screen, you should make a conscious effort to blink more. This is because blinking helps to spread moisturizing substances such as tears and mucus across your eyes to keep them moist, oxygenated and healthy.

The average person blinks 15-20 times per minute, but studies show that people only blink five to seven times per minute while using digital devices. If you don’t blink as often as you should, moisturizing substances on your eyes have more time to evaporate. This can lead to dryness, irritation and poor concentration — and therefore reduced performance.

Adjust Your Screen Settings

The screen setting is important, as screens that are too bright or too dark can cause eye strain. You need to make sure that the brightness of the screen matches the lighting in your room. To avoid squinting, you also need to adjust the font size of your system.

Choose the right eyewear

If you cannot avoid working in front of a computer for long periods of time, you should consult an ophthalmologist to see if you need special glasses to avoid eyestrain. There are many glasses and contact lenses on the market today that are specifically designed for the unique visual demands of computer use. With glasses that suit your needs, you can do your work more efficiently.

Conclusion

Spending less time in front of the computer seems to be the easiest way to protect your eyes and avoid eye strain. But if you work remotely, this may not be a viable option for you. If you have no choice but to spend several hours in front of your computer each day, good eye care habits can keep you comfortable while working remotely.