In today’s world, digital eye strain in the workplace is becoming increasingly common. However, being educated about eye strain is the first step in preventing it!

Over 70 percent of Americans who work on a computer on a daily basis suffer from digital eye strain. The good news is it’s avoidable if the proper precautions are taken.

To promote workplace eye health and safety, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to prevent and relieve digital eye strain.

Adjust Your Workspace

The optimal distance between your eyes and your computer screen is 20 to 24 inches, or about an arm’s length away. The center of your screen should be about 10 to 15 degrees below your eye level. Looking downward is often reported to be the most comfortable for the eyes as well as for the back and neck.

Use Proper Lighting

A major culprit in causing eye strain is glare. Glare on a computer screen is caused by harsh overhead lighting or light coming from windows, usually directly behind or in front of you. Position your computer screen to avoid glare and use drapes or blinds on windows if necessary.

Blink More

It seems simple enough, but we often forget to blink, especially when staring at a computer screen! Consciously make an effort to blink often while working. This will provide your eyes with much needed nutrients and moisture. If dryness persists, talk to your optometrist about lubricating eye drops!