According to McKinsey, 58% of American employees have been allowed to work from home at least once a week in 2022. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have clearly adopted flexible work opportunities. Though this is mostly a good move, it can also pose some unprecedented health issues.
For instance, if you work at a computer all day, it is easy to get eye fatigue. Working at the office often means you use your device for eight hours a day, but bringing your tasks at home significantly extends that period.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help protect your eyes while working from home. Here are some valuable tips you should try.
1. Get an anti-glare screen.
One of the best things you can do for your eyes when working from home is to get an anti-glare screen for your computer. Glare from the sun or artificial light sources can cause eye fatigue, strain, and even headaches. It also makes it difficult to see the screen, which can lead to missed opportunities or errors.
An anti-glare screen filters out glare, making it easier to see the screen and preventing eye fatigue. In addition, these types of screens can help to reduce blue light exposure, which has been linked to sleep problems. So, an anti-glare screen is a must-have if you want to protect your eyes and get the most out of your workday.
2. Take breaks frequently.
When working on a computer, it’s easy to get lost in what you’re looking at and stay glued to the screen for hours on end. But all that screen time can take a toll on your eyes. Eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes are just a few of the problems that can occur when you stare at a screen for too long.
That’s why it’s essential to take breaks frequently to look at something else other than a screen. Every 20 minutes or so, take a break for about 20 seconds and look at something in the room that is 20 feet away from you. Looking at something else gives your eyes a chance to rest and reduces the risk of eye strain.
So next time you’re stuck working from home, remember to take some breaks and give your eyes a break too!
3. Adjust the lighting in your work area.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the lighting in your work area. But did you know that the right lighting can actually help protect your eyes? Here’s why you should adjust the lighting in your work area to protect your eyes when working from home.
First of all, proper lighting can help reduce eye strain. If your work area is too bright or too dark, your eyes have to work harder to see, which can lead to fatigue and headaches. Adjusting the lighting to create a softer, more even light helps reduce eye strain and allows you to stay focused on your work.
Secondly, good lighting can help prevent eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Too much exposure to blue light has been linked to these conditions. Adjusting the lighting in your work area can help filter out harmful blue light and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
Finally, good lighting can simply make your work area more pleasant and inviting. If you’re constantly squinting or straining to see because of poor lighting, staying motivated and focused on your work will be harder. But if you adjust the lighting to create a more comfortable environment, you’ll find it easier to stay focused and get things done.
4. Consider getting LASIK for vision problems.
Lastly, regardless if you’ve had existing vision problems or developed one due to your work, you may want to consider getting a LASIK eye procedure. LASIK is a quick and painless procedure that can correct a variety of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Best of all, it can help reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. This can be a real boon if you’re tired of struggling with foggy glasses or dry, irritated eyes.
This might seem unnecessary, but remember that it’s advisable to fix eye problems as soon as possible rather than wait until they worsen. Not only will this help you see better, but it can also help prevent further damage to your eyes.
So if you’re looking for ways to protect your eyes while working from home, consider getting LASIK. It’s a quick and easy procedure that can greatly impact your vision and quality of life.
Working from home can be great, but it’s important to take steps to protect your eyes. Using an anti-glare screen, taking breaks frequently, adjusting the lighting in your work area, and considering LASIK surgery can help reduce eye strain and keep your eyes healthy while working.
