We cannot gush enough about the advances in technology and the convenience it grants us anywhere and everywhere. The digital devices have increased our reach, made us mobile, reduced distances and the time taken to carry out day to day activities like banking, shopping and so forth. But do not forget that the list of side effects arising from this overwhelming reliance on technology is growing too! Eye fatigue is one of them, also known as computer vision syndrome.

Eye fatigue presents itself with symptoms like irritated eyes, double or blurred vision or a significant change in vision and doctors state that staring at digital screens for prolonged periods of time is the primary reason.  Many of us spend our days looking into computer screens. When we get home at the end of the day we end up staring at a screen for at least another hour or two while unwinding and watching something on TV.  So exposure to digital screens – computers, laptops, tablets, phones – for 8-10 hours a day, if not more, is not uncommon. Apart from vision problems, eye fatigue can also lead to headaches, difficulty focusing, sensitivity to light and pain in the neck, shoulders or back.

Here are some of the steps you can take to reduce eye fatigue –

1)    20-20-20 rule – For every 20 minutes of staring at a digital screen, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. In those 20 seconds gaze at something preferably green.

2)    Screen position – Place the screen 20-26” away from the face. Also the top menu bars on your screen should be positioned evenly with your eye level.

3)    Choose screens that tilt, swivel and pan – This will let you avoid screen glare and even share the screen with a co-worker to work together to meet a project deadline.

4)    Adjust the light source around your work station – Too much area light around your monitor screen or excessive outdoor light can strain the eyes.

There are two kinds of ergonomic products that help you with eye strain –  

Monitor Arms – Arms that mount your monitors will provide flexibility and adjustability to your monitor. This will help not only with your posture, but also with your eyesight. When you have to lean and stare into a screen in order to read it you’re doing yourself a major disservice. Generally speaking, the monitor should be at a distance of 20-26”, about an arm’s length, from your face. For those who are nearsighted, make sure you position the computer monitor a bit closer to your eyes so you are not straining and if you are far sighted the screen should be farther away than an arm’s length.  Especially if you work under bright office fluorescent fixtures or in an office with big windows, you’ve probably experienced moments when it is difficult to see the screen. Many monitor arms allow you to tilt and pan your screen in order to alleviate these issues. This is also wonderful for your sight because these features allow you to reduce the glare that bright lights or sunlight can cause when shining off of your computer screen.  Once the sun moves in a different position, or the lights dim, you will be able to adjust your monitor to cater to the changes with ease.  A perfect solution is the WorkRite Poise 1000.

    

The Poise 1000 allows for a 23.25” horizontal reach, 12” vertical adjustment, 360 degree monitor rotation and 160 degree tilt range (70 degree up/90 degree down).

The Innovative 7500 is another example. It has a unique tilter that will let you tilt the monitor 200 degrees and the arm will provide for 27” side-to-side adjustment as well as height adjustability of 18”.

        

Task Lights – These lights illuminate a specific area instead of a space in general and are especially important in software industry, which involves working in front of a computer for long hours. Most of the task lights are adjustable, a key feature of ergonomic lights.

The Workrite AST Astra LED Task Light is adjustable for your desk, whether in the office or at home, with a 4-step dim setting, which allows you to relax when needed and to stay focused when you have a big report to take care of.  Not only is it healthier for your eyes but it also has three color options – carbon, sterling and winter – to help its sleek apperance match its surroundings.

Please call us at 888-456-ERGO or send us an email at [email protected] for your comments and feedback. We would like to hear your perspective on eye fatigue.