Work Habits and Its Amazing Effect On the Health Of the Eyes 1

In this article our focus will be on how our work habits can affect the health of the eyes in amazing ways and how we can manage our screen time be it computer, phones or television.

The eyes is one of the five sense organs which works with our brain to tell us the size, shape, color and texture of an object; in other words it allows us to see our environment.

The eyes’ anatomy is made up of several parts (Iris, Pupil, muscles, conjunctiva, Cornea, Lenses, Retina, Optical nerve, etc.) which works together to help us see clearly. Sometimes, we can inherit defects (short nearsightedness, long farsightedness, etc.) from our parents. Over time, age or our lifestyle can also make our eyes deteriorate faster.

How can work habit affect the eyes?

Work habits can affect the eyes in the following ways:

1. It could lead to computer Vision syndrome (digital eye strain). This eye problem is caused by prolonged use of computer and it has symptoms such as eye irritation, blurred vision, headaches, backaches, neck aches, muscle fatigue, etc. Computer Vision Syndrome is becoming a prevalent issue among the working class. Most especially those whom their work involves long/constant screen time. Computer Vision syndrome is not known to have permanent damage on the eyes but the symptoms can be very discomforting.
2. Photo sensitivity – The constant exposure to ultraviolet rays from computer screen in the long run causes one to be very sensitive to light rays, sunlight inclusive.
3. It can make one’s eyeballs elongated. As the pressure of the eyes increases as a result of long screen time, the eye balls gradually become elongated altering its shape.

How to Manage our Screen time durind work?

To ensure our eye health do not deteriorate significantly it is very important to manage our screen time properly. Some solutions to these environmental causes include:

1. Adjust your computer: Move the computer screen 20 to 28 inches from the eyes or just beyond the arm’s length to improve the comfort of the eyes.
2. Blink Frequently – This helps the eyes from drying out. According to a research by the University of Iowa, we blink 66 percent less while on a computer. Take regular screen breaks to rest the eyes.
3. Reducing glare and harsh reflections on the computer screen by modifying the lighting in the room, closing window shades, changing the contrast or brightness of the screen, or attaching a filter or hood to the monitor.
4. Use the right glasses: It’s important to get glasses needed for viewing digital screens. If you use glasses, always check for time to time that the prescription of your lenses is not weak. Blue ray glasses helps to reduce the radiation from the screen from penetrating the eyes.
5. Adjust your posture: Sit up straight, keep your shoulders relaxed, and use a chair with the right height and good back support.
6. Take regular breaks: This one can do by practicing the following

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule i.e. look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes; learn to blink constantly when you can not help but sit.
• Rest for 15 minutes after every 2 hours of continuous screen use and
• Do non-screen tasks: Rather than read e-book, get hard copy books, play cheese, scrabble and other activities that will not involve looking at screens (computers, tablets, phones, etc.

7. Use eye drops to reduce dry eye symptoms.

Poor eyes can lead to decreased work efficiency and huge loss of productivity. So it is important that we care for our eye health and ensure we regularly (at least once a year) go for proper eye checkup apart from practicing the above screen time management techniques so our eyes can remain healthy.

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