Vision Source Mandan Blog

4 Simple Things You Can Do To Protect Your Vision At Work

It’s Workplace Eye Safety Month! The American Optometric Association reports that over half of office workers who regularly use computers suffer from eye strain.

If much of your workday is spent using a computer, you cannot afford to ignore the risks it poses to your eyes. Follow these four tips to help protect your precious eyesight.

#1: Adjust Your Workspace

It may be beyond your control to install new furniture or lighting at work but even little changes can make a big difference!

  • Adjust your chair and monitor position so your eyes are about 24 inches away from the screen.
  • Position your monitor so there is no glare from windows, reflective walls, or other light sources.
  • Adjust screen brightness, contrast, and text size. Your monitor should be about the same brightness as your surrounding workspace.

#2: Blink More (A Timing Suggestion)

Staring at a computer screen not only decreases your blinking rate, it also decreases the completeness of each blink! Full frequent blinks are essential to keeping your eyes moist and avoiding strain and irritation. Now, we know this is impossible to remember....so set a repeating timer alarm on your smartphone for every 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, perform ten slow, complete blinks. Even close your eyes for 10–20 seconds. If problems persist with irritation due to dryness, speak with your eye doctor about using lubricating eye drops.

#3: Take Breaks

Tired eyes can lead to headaches, fatigue and decreased productivity. Remember:

  • The 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to rest and refocus.
  • Mini breaks. Take 15-minute breaks from your computer screen twice a day. Stand up, stretch, and walk around.
  • Simple eye exercises. A few times a day, stretch your extra ocular eye socket muscles by rolling your eyes in all directions.

#4: Discuss Workplace Conditions With Your Employer And With A Vision Source Doctor

Your employer wants you to be as productive as possible. If conditions aren’t conducive, kindly and tactfully raise the subject. Improvements can be a win/win for both your employer and yourself. Also, during your regular visits to your Vision Source optometrist, please discuss any concerns. Our doctors are not only interested in helping you maintain healthy vision, but they’re also sincerely interested in your overall health. Depending on your unique eye conditions and work situation, they can help find the best optometric solutions to protect your vision at work.

Your Eyes, And Needs, Are Unique

Every pair of eyes is different and how they react to each unique workplace environment is important. Find a Vision Source practice near you and discuss your habits and needs with a caring eye professional. 

Top image by Flickr user Juhan Sonin used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.


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What Our Clients Say

My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

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