Vienna Eyecare Center

Eye care is an essential part to our overall physical health. While it can be easy to take our eyes for granted, you must ensure your vision stays healthy. This is especially true if you’re working long hours in front of your computer. In this article, the esteemed optometrist at Vienna Eyecare Center highlights eight work habits you can adopt to protect your vision and avoid eye strain. 

1. Observe Proper Posture While Working

Working with a proper posture is an effective way to protect your eyes from the strains of working long hours on the computer. Make sure you are sitting up properly and adjust your chair height so you can look straight instead of glaring down or looking up at your computer.

2. Ensure Computer Screen Is in the Right Position

When positioning your computer monitor, it must be placed in a location that prevents your eyes from unnecessary strain. As such, the screen should be at least an arm’s length away from you and slightly below eye level. This way, you are looking slightly down at the screen. You can also have external monitors placed perpendicular to any windows to prevent screen glare.

3. Take Frequent Breaks 

Since staring at a computer screen can be tiring for your eyes, it’s a good idea to take five- to 10-minute breaks from the monitor every hour or two. During these breaks, give your eyes time to rest by looking around at distant objects or simply closing your eyes. 

4. Practice Eye Exercises

Like any other muscle in our body, the eyes need regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. Practice simple eye exercises such as blinking rapidly, rolling your eyes, and shifting your gaze from one side of the screen to another. All these activities help improve focus by refreshing tired muscles while relieving eye strain caused by long hours at work.

5. Make Changes to Your Environment

Start by finding the right light level for your workspace, as too much or too little can cause eye strain. Install an anti-glare filter on your monitor to reduce harsh radiation. Having plants in your workspace that emit oxygen when they photosynthesize is also a great way to keep your eyes healthy while reducing stress levels with their calming presence.

6. Wear Computer Glasses

Computer screens emit blue light, which can later cause visual fatigue and nearsightedness. If you work long hours in front of digital screens, it’s best to invest in a pair of computer glasses. These come with lenses explicitly designed to filter the blue light emitted by your screens. We recommend consulting an eye care professional for the perfect computer glasses.

7. Eat a Healthy Diet

What you eat can significantly influence your overall health, and vision is no exception. For a healthy diet, consider foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids, including leafy greens like spinach or kale and fish like salmon, tuna and trout. Lessen consumption of sugary snacks or heavily processed foods with little nutritional value.

8. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

It is essential to visit an eye doctor for a thorough eye exam. This will enable them to check your eyes for any issues that might hinder your eyesight, give their recommendations, and provide corrective eyewear if needed. Vision changes occur as you age, which is why regular eye exams are necessary so you can detect potential issues early.

Good habits lead to healthy eyes. Keep them that way with the help of the Vienna Eyecare Center! Our team of experienced professionals will be happy to assist you in preserving  or restoring your vision. Call us today at (703) 938-7633, or fill out our contact form to book an appointment. We serve residents of Fairfax, VA, and the surrounding communities.