If you are reading this at work, there’s a good chance your eyes are already tired. Many of our patients at Vision Care Centres are young professionals who spend hours glued to digital screens—whether it’s drafting reports, crunching numbers, or scrolling through endless emails. By the time the workday is over, their eyes feel dry, strained, and downright exhausted.
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about how your job might be affecting your vision. From digital eye strain to long-term damage caused by blue light exposure, your work environment plays a huge role in your eye health. The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference.
How Does Screen Time Affect Your Eyes?
Staring at a screen for hours reduces your blink rate, leading to dryness and irritation. It also forces your eyes to work harder to focus, causing fatigue and headaches. Over time, prolonged screen exposure can even contribute to blurry vision and difficulty adjusting to different lighting conditions.
I recall one of my patients mentioning how, after hours of working on spreadsheets, their eyes would feel incredibly dry and blurry, making it hard to refocus when they needed to. They also noted that their vision would feel out of focus even when they tried to look at things farther away, and it would take a while for their eyes to adjust when switching from the bright screen to dimmer room light. These kinds of symptoms aren’t unusual, and they are part of a growing trend due to the amount of time we spend in front of screens. Without proper care or breaks, these issues can compound over time, leading to more severe eye discomfort and a general feeling of visual fatigue.
What Is Digital Eye Strain and How Can You Prevent It?
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, happens when your eyes get overworked from extended screen use. Symptoms include tired eyes, headaches, double vision, and trouble concentrating. To prevent it, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, using blue light filters, and keeping your screen at eye level can also help.
Are Blue Light Glasses Really Worth It?
Blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to eye strain. While blue light glasses won’t eliminate all symptoms of digital eye strain, they can help reduce discomfort, especially for those who spend most of their day on screens. If you’re experiencing headaches or difficulty falling asleep, it might be time to invest in a pair.
How Can You Improve Eye Comfort at Work?
Proper lighting, screen positioning, and regular breaks can make a huge difference. Avoid working under harsh fluorescent lights and minimize glare by adjusting your screen angle. Keeping your screen about an arm’s length away and at eye level reduces strain, while using artificial tears can help with dryness. And don’t forget to blink—it’s something we often forget when we’re focused on work.
When Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
Taking care of your eyes is crucial, and knowing when to get an eye exam can help prevent long-term issues. Here’s when you should consider scheduling one:
- If you’re experiencing persistent headaches, blurred vision, or eye fatigue, it’s time for an eye exam.
- Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, regular checkups are essential for catching issues early.
- Most professionals should have their eyes checked at least once a year to ensure their prescription is up to date and their eyes are healthy.
Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, regular checkups are essential for catching issues early. Most professionals should have their eyes checked at least once a year to ensure their prescription is up to date and their eyes are healthy.
Your job might demand long hours in front of a screen, but that doesn’t mean your eyes have to suffer. Small adjustments to your work habits can go a long way in protecting your vision. At Vision Care Centres, we’re here to help you keep your eyes healthy, whether it’s finding the right glasses, recommending workplace-friendly solutions, or simply giving your vision a well-deserved checkup. Book your appointment today and give your eyes the care they need!
