Effective Strategies For Preventing Eye Strain At Work And Home

Many spend countless hours staring at screens in our increasingly digital world, increasing our risk of eye strain and discomfort. 

The good news is that there are some strain-busting strategies you can include in your daily routine to prevent eye strain and maintain good eye health. It doesn’t matter if you’re hard at work in the office or relaxing at home – if you follow these techniques, you can significantly reduce the chance of struggling with eye strain and fatigue.

Follow The 20-20-20 rule 
One of the most effective strategies for preventing eye strain is the 20-20-20 rule. 

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on an object at least 20 feet away. This simple practice helps alleviate eye strain caused by prolonged screen time. Not only that, but it also allows your eyes a welcome break in which to rest and refocus. 

Optimise Your Workstation Ergonomics 
Did you know that proper ergonomics can help prevent eye strain? 

Ensure your computer monitor is positioned at eye level, about an arm’s length away from your face. You should also position your chair so that you’re at a comfortable distance from the screen and maintain good posture to minimise neck and back strain, which can also impact your eye health.

Adjust Screen Settings 
Most digital devices offer settings that can be adjusted to reduce eye strain. Make the text larger and adjust the brightness to a level that’s more comfortable for your eyes. 

You should also consider using “night mode” or “blue light filters” available on many devices, which reduce the amount of blue light emitted, known to cause eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns. 

Practice Proper Lighting
The lighting in your workspace or home can significantly affect your eye health. 

Avoid excessive overhead lighting and minimise glare on your screen by positioning it away from direct light sources. Use curtains or blinds to control natural light, and consider using a desk lamp with adjustable brightness for task lighting.

By reducing harsh lighting and controlling the ambient light in your environment, you can create a more comfortable and eye-friendly atmosphere.

Get Your Eyes Checked 
If you struggle with strained eyes and blurred vision at work or home, it’s important to get your eyes checked out as soon as possible. It could be that you need to start wearing glasses or contact lenses – or get a new prescription if you already wear them. 

If you prefer the prospect of contacts to glasses, you can find affordable and high-quality contact lenses in the UK courtesy of Lenstore. They offer a variety of lenses designed to fit comfortably on your eyes – and if you order before 11pm, you can even benefit from next-day delivery!

Blink Regularly And Stay Hydrated 
Staring at screens for extended periods often leads to decreased blinking, which can cause dry eyes and contribute to eye strain. Make a conscious effort to blink frequently to keep your eyes lubricated. 

Additionally, ensure you stay well-hydrated throughout the day, as dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms. Keep a water bottle nearby and consider using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness and refresh your eyes.

Overview 
In our technology-driven world, preventing eye strain is essential for maintaining good eye health. 

By incorporating these effective strategies into your daily routine, such as following the 20-20-20 rule, optimising your workstation ergonomics, adjusting screen settings, practising proper lighting, and maintaining proper hydration, you can minimise eye strain and enjoy healthier, more comfortable eyes at work and home.