Eyestrain: A Common Problem for Office Workers

As an office worker, you need to take precautions to protect yourself from eyestrain. Eyestrain is a common condition from which office workers suffers. Also known as tired eyes, it involves symptoms such as eye dryness, redness and fatigue due to prolonged staring. When you stare at a computer screen for long periods, your risk of eyestrain increases. Fortunately, you can prevent eyestrain by taking some basic precautions.

Position Your Computer Screen

The height of your computer screen can affect your risk of eyestrain. For proper ergonomics, your eyes should be parallel to the top of your computer screen. If they are higher or lower, you won't be able to look directly forward. As a result, your risk of eyestrain will increase. Fortunately, most computer screens have an adjustable base. You can raise or lower your computer screen so that the top of it is parallel to your eyes.

Adjust the Screen Brightness

You can lower your risk of eyestrain by turning down the brightness on your computer screen. Most monitors have adjustable settings. Among other things, you can adjust the brightness. Computer screens with a high brightness level are more likely to cause eyestrain than those with a low brightness level.

Take Viewing Breaks

Another tip to protect against eyestrain is to take viewing break. A viewing break is an opportunity to rest your eyes. It's not uncommon for office workers to look at their computer screens for seven or more hours per day. With few or no breaks in between, they may develop eyestrain. You can take viewing breaks, however, to protect against eyestrain. Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer screen so that your eyes have a chance to rest and recover.

Beware of Glares

Are there glares around your workstation? Glaring light is a contributing factor in eyestrain. Allowing glares to go unchecked can take a toll on your eyes. Whether it comes from an artificial light source, or if it's sunlight beaming in through a window, a glare may contribute to eyestrain. Therefore, you should identify and eliminate glares around your workstation.

Avoid Using Eyedrops Daily

Unless recommended by your optometrist or general practitioner, you should avoid using eyedrops daily. Eyedrops have lubricating properties that can alleviate symptoms of eyestrain. The problem with eyedrops, though, is that your eyes will become dependent on them. Rather than producing their own lubrication, your eyes will rely on the lubrication of eyedrops.