How can you reduce eye strain while working?

Looking at society today, it’s clear we’re extremely reliant on technology to get through daily life. Gone are the days of taking meeting minutes on a notepad or scribbling a quick note to a loved one when you’re popping out for some milk. From laptops and tablets to Smartphones and Fitbits, we’re guaranteed to be looking at a screen whether we’re at work, trying a new recipe or out for a run. The downside? Our eyes don’t take too kindly to this, often resulting in digital eye strain. Here, we explore how you can reduce eye strain while working.

What is eye strain and why is it important to avoid it?

Digital eye strain (DES) is a group of vision related problems caused by overuse of digital devices. It’s thought to affect at least 50% of computer users and can cause a range of different symptoms, such as burning, irritation, headaches, sensitivity to light and eye discomfort. DES can make using a computer challenging or even impossible, so if you use a computer or digital device for your work, it’s important to prevent straining your eyes.

How to reduce eye strain

Taking regular breaks from your screen can alleviate strain on the eyes and reduce the risk of DES. Try to take a break every 30 minutes to give your eyes a chance to rest, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Adjusting the brightness of your screen can also reduce eye strain, as brightness is often what contributes to DES. Play around with different levels of brightness to find one which feels comfortable and doesn’t hurt your eyes. You may find you need to use a lower brightness in the mornings, as your eyes need a few hours to adjust to brighter light.

Intense focus

Eye strain can also be caused by focusing intently on an object for a long period of time. Employees working on physical crafts such as jewellery makers will be more prone to eye strain because of the intricate nature of their work. To prevent eye strain when carrying out intricate work, visual aids should be used to make it easier to see each tiny detail without straining your eyes. A magnifying lamp such as these ones can help magnify and illuminate objects making them easier to see.

Blue light

Blue light which is emitted from many electronic devices is also believed to contribute to eye strain. It’s difficult to limit exposure to blue light in today’s technological world, however, adjusting the brightness on your smartphone or laptop can help prevent DES. Try to take breaks from your devices a few times a day, whether that’s by getting out for a walk on your lunch break or leaving your phone in another room while you cook dinner.