Looking After Your Eyesight at Work

With the increase in tablet use on top of the hours we already spend at our desks, our time staring at screens and monitors is on the rise. With this, our eyesight is likely to suffer. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect our eyes and prevent them from suffering while at work.

It’s our job at Office Furniture Scene to ensure your time working in the office is comfortable with the best furniture available. We like to extend our help beyond that, so we have compiled a list of tips to keep your eyesight feeling just as healthy at work as your spine in an ergonomic office chair.

How to take care of your eyes when you are working at the computer

As experts in office furniture and comfort, we have a few tips when it comes to looking after your eyesight at work with the help of the best office tools available:

Adjust your monitor height and distance

Your screen’s height and distance in relation to your eye line are incredibly important for reducing eye strain. Position your monitor so that your eye line sits around 5cm below the top of the screen, and ensure it’s about arm’s length away from your face. An easier way to think about it is that the main content you’re looking at should be straight ahead of you.

Invest in a screen arm for desks, like the Herman Miller Flo Monitor Arm, which allows you to easily move and position the monitor to suit the user.

Alter your monitor display settings

If your eyes are getting sore from staring at a bright screen all day, experiment with your monitor’s settings. Reducing the brightness and altering the colour tone can do wonders for your eyes. Those who struggle with plain white pages often turn to sepia tones and filters, which is worth considering if your eyes are feeling the strain.

Pay attention to your posture

Do you notice yourself slouching while at your desk? Try to correct it when you can. Sitting up straight means you’ll strain your eyes less from the constant adjustments your eyes will make.

If you struggle with getting a nice straight back while sitting, you’re not alone. We as humans aren’t built to sit all day, so we need a little help in that department. We sell a range of fantastic ergonomic chairs, including pieces from Herman Miller and Humanscale, that are designed to support your spine and hips, assisting you in sitting straight and comfortably.

Take breaks and try the 20-20-20 rule

Make sure you’re regularly looking away from your screen to give your eyes a break from near-work. We find that the 20-20-20 rule works wonders for keeping your eyes healthy while working in the office.

You might be wondering, what is the 20-minute rule for eyes? It’s a simple concept that is very easy to follow. For every 20 minutes that you stare at your screen, you should look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away in distance. Following this rule helps reduce tired and sore eyes by allowing them to relax regularly. It also encourages regular blinking, which is important for eye health.

Adjust the office lighting

Screens aren’t the only thing that can hurt your eyes in the workplace. If you’re sitting underneath fluorescent lighting, chances are you’ll experience sore eyes and a headache or two. If possible, avoid sitting directly beneath these types of lights. If that can’t be done, then consider sepia filters that can be stuck over some types of lighting, changing the bulb tones, or at the very least, angling your screen away to avoid glare.

Use a height-adjustable desk

Movement is the key to a healthy body in the office, with the bonus of helping keep your eyes healthy, too. A standing desk gives you the ability to sit or stand while working, helping you stay in motion than if you were seated for long periods. By opting for a sit-stand desk, such as the Lavoro Advantage Desk or the Herman Miller Ratio Desk, you can regularly change your body’s position, giving your eyes a chance to relax and refocus throughout the day.

Use eye drops and get plenty of sleep

Keep a bottle of hydrating eye drops on your desk in case your eyes start to feel dry or tired. They’re great for refreshing sore eyes in an instant. Combine this with a good night of sleep, and you’ll find your eyes feel fresh and ready to tackle screens with minimal strain.

Choose office furniture that works for you and your eyesight

Though it can sometimes feel like a mere inconvenience to have sore eyes at the end of your workday, strained eyes can lead to long-term issues with expensive solutions. Prevention is key, and fairly straightforward to do if you invest in the right, helpful furniture.

Ergonomic office chairs, standing desks, and accessories like monitor arms are great tools to help support healthy eyes while working. Investments into your health or the health of your employees should never be overlooked, so reach out to us today to discuss what could benefit your workspace. Our experts are on hand to offer advice, so give us a call on 01603 722483 today to chat.