Our environmental conditions during our remote work arrangements may differ from one another. Not all people have spaces conducive to work, resulting in a forced adjustment to non-ideal workspaces at home. With these factors, the physical and mental health of employees is often compromised. One aspect of health that is often compromised during this setup is eye health.
We have been staring at gadget screens for so long that we often don’t notice how this bad habit affects our eyes. Taking care of our eye health is vital if we want to maintain clear vision as we age. In the aging process, there are eye conditions that develop gradually. Modern technology has evolved significantly, and a lot of these conditions have developed treatments. Cataract surgery with IOLs has been developed by medical scientists to treat people with cataracts.
We need to keep our vision healthy to help us see the world through clear eyes. Experiencing the world through all our senses helps enhance our perspective of the world around us. Prioritize taking care of your eye health despite your hectic remote work schedule.
Eye Care in the Age of Technology
The long hours of working from home have become detrimental to our health. Spending so much time in front of screens can damage our eyes. In the age of modern technology, when we are constantly looking at gadget screens, we have to be mindful of our eye health to keep our vision in check.
Computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain (DES) are eye conditions related to excessive use of digital screens. When this happens, the muscles surrounding the eyes are strained as they work harder to view the screen. Other aspects that may contribute to DES are poor lighting, poor posture, and unsuitable distance from the device. These factors may lead to blurred vision, dry eyes, or headaches. Below are ways you can take care of your eyes while working from home.
It may not be obvious, but your posture while working can contribute to your eye health. Make sure that your feet are flat on the floor when working at your desk. You should be looking at your screen at a slightly downward gaze which is the easiest position for the eyes. Also, slouching can negatively affect the blood flow to your eyes, so make sure that you sit up straight.
Your room lighting is also important. Too bright or too dim lighting in your room may lead to headaches or eye strain. The lighting on your device is also crucial. It should be bright enough for good vision, but it should not appear illuminated. Reducing screen glare can also help your eyesight.
Blinking is an involuntary action, but when working in front of a computer screen most of the day, you need to make a conscious effort to blink more. Blinking moisturizes your eyes, but when staring at a screen, the rate of blinking decreases. This can cause dryness, irritation, and loss of concentration which may affect your work productivity.
Taking frequent breaks is also recommended. Experts often recommend the 20-20-20 rule. This refers to taking a break every 20 minutes to focus on something that is 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. Doing so allows your eyes to relax.
Prioritize taking care of your eyes during this pandemic. When you have a hectic remote work arrangement, you may tend to forget to take breaks and practice good eye health habits. Set the alarm for frequent breaks in between tasks to keep your vision in check.
Health Care While Working from Home
Working from home during this COVID-19 pandemic has become the new normal. While a lot of home decorating trends have been making rounds online, some might not be aware of the ergonomic aspect that should be considered when setting up a conducive work area at home. Assessing and redesigning your home workspace to be more ergonomic will make you happier and healthier in the long run.
Common health conditions that may arise from an unsuitable home office setup are low back pain, headaches, eye strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. If you experience any pain while working, consider adjusting your current work setup according to your body’s needs. You need to prioritize your health despite your busy work-from-home schedule.
The remote work setup is not easy for everyone. Not all workers have the same resources to sustain a work-from-home arrangement. Companies should be compassionate and empathetic to their employees’ remote work needs and should try to be sensitive about the differences in each employee’s home arrangement.
Working from home entails taking care of your overall health while maintaining your productive days. Look after your eye health to avoid straining your eyes and blurring your vision.
