How Can I Prevent Eye Strain At Work?
Dear America’s Best,
I work in front of a computer screen in a fluorescent-lit office all day long. By the end of the day, I sometimes have a hard time seeing well to drive home because my eyes hurt so badly. My eyes are frequently very dry. (I don’t think the air blowing in the office helps either.) I’ve never had vision problems before, but I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to help my eyes feel better during and after work?
Sincerely,
Betsy in Georgia
Dear Betsy,
Digital eyestrain is real and affects millions of people in this country. Many people spend significant amounts of time staring at devices of every shape and size, so here are a few suggestions on how to cut down on possible eye strain at work throughout the day.
Consider getting some computer eyewear.
After receiving an eye exam, your optometrist may suggest a variety of eyewear options to alleviate your vision issues during the day. Glasses worn only when using the computer could include a prescription and can include different color filters and lenses so that your eyes are more relaxed and comfortable. Often these lenses reduce glare, block blue light, or have an anti-reflective coating (A/R coating) to reduce the reflection of those fluorescent lights you mentioned.
Follow the 20/20/20 Rule.
This rule encourages you to stop and look around every twenty minutes for at least twenty seconds and to look more than twenty feet away. In other words, don’t take a break from your screen and look down at your desk. Instead, look out a window or to the furthest point in your office and try to focus on details that are far away. If taking a break every twenty minutes seems too frequent for you to remember, set the timer on your phone or computer to ding and remind you.
Keep eye drops handy.
When your eyes are strained and tired and open too long with cold air blasting into them, your eyes can get very dry and irritated. Keep high quality eye drops in your desk to moisten your eyes and keep them comfortable throughout the day.
Get regular eye exams.
This last suggestion is the most important. We encourage everyone to go to an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam annually, especially if your eyes are constantly fixated on a screen. Keeping this yearly appointment with your America’s Best optometrist can prevent your vision from worsening and could possibly alert your doctor to any other vision issues you may be experiencing.
– Dr. John Bankowski
John Bankowski, O.D.
Dr. John Bankowski is the clinical director for National Vision, Inc. in Duluth, GA (parent company of America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses). He received his Doctor of Optometry degree at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and became a supervising doctor in the Washington D.C. area. After 10 years in this position, he assumed the position of clinical director for National Vision.
In addition to his duties as the clinical director, he holds 20 active licenses and is the president of 6 Doctor Exchanges, offering doctor support to America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and other National Vision entities throughout the country.
He enjoys traveling to exotic locations throughout the world and is an avid scuba diver and skier. He currently resides in Washington D.C.
