When Covid-19 initially hit, no one knew what to expect. People went from socializing to social distancing, meaning many activities were discontinued or altered. One area of society that was significantly impacted by the pandemic was the workforce.
Depending on the job, some people were unfortunately put out of work because their employer relied on face-to-face interactions. However, others could shift to a remote working model since most of their work was computer-based. And it seems like it’s here to stay.
Some might say that’s the dream—you get to work from home (hi pajamas), spend time with your family, and make room for your favorite activities. But on the other hand, staring at a screen all day can cause eye discomfort, affecting your ability to work efficiently. So to ensure you aren’t straining too much, take a look at these hacks to make working remotely more comfortable for your eyes.
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1. Try Blue Light Glasses
Your computer, smartphone, and tablet emit blue light, which can be potentially dangerous for your eyes. Since blue light has a shorter wavelength than other forms of colored light, it can easily penetrate areas of your eye like the cornea and retina, which is why your eyes may seem tired after staring at a screen for an extended period.
One way to counter the adverse effects is using blue light reading glasses. The lenses in these frames reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes. Plus, different styles of blue light glasses are designated for specific uses. So if you only want protection, that’s an option, but if you need enhanced magnification while reading on your screen, that’s no problem either.
2. Use the “20-20-20” Rule
You feel unstoppable when working from home and have a nice flow. So much time passes, and before you know it, you’ve been staring at the screen for several hours. While being a workhorse is great, you must also give your eyes a break.
The best way to do so is by using the “20-20-20” rule. It involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes. During that period, you try and stare at something at least 20 feet away to relieve your eyes of overfocusing on the screen. After your break and a few blinks, you’ll be able to refocus and finish the workday.
3. Eye-dration is Key
One common side effect of staring at a screen for too long is how tired, and itchy your eyes get. It stems from the lack of blinking that occurs when you’re working.Â
You don’t overthink it—you’re in the zone, so work is the focus. However, blinking is essential because it keeps your eyes lubricated, lessening the gritty feeling. So if you have a problem with dry eyes, the best thing for them is moisturizing eye drops. With a few drops, you’ll refresh your eyes and compensate for the lack of blinking.
4. Do Eye Exercises
Eye discomfort causes minor stress as you work because it’s hard to focus. But according to Healthline, you can use eye exercises as a remedy to alleviate the issue. It’s important to note that you’ll need to remove your glasses or contact lenses before doing these exercises to avoid any hiccups. Here are a few different ones you can try:
Focus Shifting
This exercise helps train your eye muscles and improves your focusing ability. Follow these steps to get started:
- First, stick your hand out as far as it can go and put your thumb in the thumbs-up position
- Next, look straight ahead and focus on your thumb
- Then, move your arm slowly to the right and left, following along with your eyes—try not to move your neck or chin
- Repeat with the other arm
Palming
Palming is a great exercise that can help alleviate eye strain by providing a calming feeling. Here’s what you do:
- Generate warmth in your hands by rubbing them together
- Place your hands over your eyes, keeping your fingertips on your forehead and your palms on your cheekbones
- While keeping your eyes open, breathe in slowly, and exhale
Make Working Remotely More Comfortable for Your Eyes With These Tips
No one wants to deal with eye strain. Sometimes it can be challenging to avoid because you’re focused on getting the job done. However, it has the potential to hinder your work efficiency.
Instead, use some of the suggestions above to ensure your eyes remain healthy while working from home. You can use blue light glasses, eye drops, establish a rule of your own regarding breaks, or do eye exercises. As a result, your eyes will feel much better, and you can continue to enjoy the benefits of working remotely without any lingering issues.
