What measures can I take to protect my eyes from screen work?
June 21, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Born
Dear doctor,
My name is Paula Otremka and I work eight hours a day in front of a computer screen. In recent weeks, I have noticed increased problems with my eyes, such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. I am concerned about my eye health and wonder what measures I can take to protect my eyes from the strains of screen work.
The current situation is that I spend long hours daily in front of the screen without taking sufficient breaks. I often sit in a poorly lit room and regularly forget to give my eyes enough rest. These working conditions lead to irritation of my eyes and difficulty concentrating.
I have already tried wearing my computer glasses more often and doing regular eye exercises, but these measures do not seem to be sufficient. Therefore, I am asking you as an expert in occupational medicine what further steps I can take to protect my eyes from the negative effects of screen work.
I request specific recommendations on how I can adjust my work environment to improve my eye health. Are there specific exercises or eye drops I should use? How can I ensure that my eyes receive enough moisture and remain relaxed? What measures can I take to protect my eyes from strain?
Thank you in advance for your support and help with this important matter.
Sincerely,
Paula Otremka
Dear Mrs. Otremka,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your eye health in relation to your screen work. It is important that you take care of your eyes, as they can quickly be affected by the daily strain of staring at a computer screen.
The symptoms you described, such as dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches, are typical signs of the so-called "Computer Vision Syndrome" caused by prolonged screen work. It is good that you have already taken some measures to alleviate these symptoms, such as wearing computer glasses and doing regular eye exercises. However, there are further steps you can take to protect your eyes.
First and foremost, it is important to take regular breaks during your computer work. Ideally, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at a distant point to relax your eyes. Also, make sure that your work environment is well-lit to avoid eye strain. The position of the screen is crucial - it should be slightly tilted down to reduce eye strain.
Furthermore, special eye drops can help to adequately moisturize your eyes. There are various preparations specifically designed for dry eyes that you can use in consultation with your doctor. In addition, regular eye exercises, such as blinking or focusing on different distances, can strengthen your eye muscles and provide relief.
It is also advisable to see an eye doctor regularly to have your eyes examined and consider getting customized eyewear if necessary. The specialist can also provide specific recommendations on how to protect your eyes from the strains of screen work.
In summary, taking regular breaks, having good lighting, the right screen position, using eye drops, and doing regular eye exercises are important measures to protect your eyes from the negative effects of screen work. Make sure to incorporate these recommendations into your daily work routine and take your eye health seriously.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you all the best for your eye health.
Sincerely,
Ludwig Born
