Looking after your eyes is made a little easier with these five qualified tips from the Custom EyeCare team.
Computers are everywhere we look. At home, at work, even in the palm of our hand, as mobile phones and tablets become real alternatives to a traditional PC or laptop.
The average Australian spends over 10 hours per day interacting with screens – are you surprised? We aren’t either.
As a result, your peepers are working double time and eye health has never been more important!!
What can you do when you’re stuck at work or tied to a desk? You’re only allowed so many breaks!
1. Regular Eye-Checks
Taking the time to make an appointment with one of our educated eye experts is the best thing you can do to combat short and long-term vision issues. Early discovery and diagnosis will lead to improved outcomes, minimising harm down the road. You’ll walk out the door with a clear understanding of your eye health, any contributing factors and how to best manage your lifestyle so eye strain doesn’t turn into something worse.
2. Screen Settings Make a Difference
When was the last time you reviewed your computer settings?
Most computer users rarely deviate from the default. Ideally, a screen shouldn’t serve as a primary light source, but it shouldn’t be so dull you can barely make out the words.
We’ve collated the most up-to-date settings instructions here, so you don’t have to go look for them – make the change, your eyes will thank you:
Windows 7,8 and 10
Adjusting screen brightness isn’t the only way to save overworked eyes from strain, soreness or blurriness. Ensuring your font is perfectly sized – you shouldn’t have to squint to read each letter or word – and the colour temperature reduces the flow of blue light will deliver some much-needed relief too.
3.Give Your Eyes a Workout
Eye health care isn’t limited to environmental differences – challenge your corneas every 20 minutes and pick an object at least 6 metres away.
Analyse its appearance, think about its surface, texture and colour for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Now you’ve relaxed your eye muscles, find a distant object and look at it for 15 seconds, then pass your eyes to something close by for another 15 before looking at your chosen distant object again.
Repeat 10 times.
4. Take More Breaks
Technology is inescapable – most careers require some degree of computer work, in addition to our home habits.
Eye health for computer users is connected to general occupational wellness – taking more screen breaks can help lessen the impact of neck, back and shoulder issues while reducing eye discomfort.
Add four five minute breaks to your daily schedule, looking or moving away from the computer, stretching your legs and giving your body space to breathe.
If you’re worried about productivity, don’t be, mini breaks increase productivity, as standing up and using your muscles nips fatigue in the bud and minimises tension!
5. Blink Often
Blink more!
It sounds deceptively simple as if closing and opening your eyes will somehow make a difference – you do it every day, do you really need to make a conscious effort to increase your blink rate?
We all do.
Computer users have a tendency to stare and zero in on their work, leading to dry eyes in often dry rooms and workplaces.
Dry eyes don’t sound that bad on paper, but they can be if left alone. Without lubrication, the likelihood of infection and inflammation increases – in some cases, heavy computers may suffer from productivity-busting eye irritation!
We know it can be difficult to step away from the computer screen when work and life demand constant engagement. Use these tips to ensure your eyes remain healthy for longer, and if you’re ever in doubt, reach out to Custom Eye Care. Call us on 02 4927 0500. Our specialists have the insight, experience and answers you need to make a difference.
