Our eyes are one of our key senses and their importance to our well-being and in our everyday life can’t really be overstated. However, people put their eyesight at risk daily, in many ways, not least if they work in an office; it’s probably as artificial an environment as you’re likely to find in the 21st century, with all those blazing strip lights and banks of computer screens.
Of course, when it comes to eyesight, few people are a hundred per cent cautious at all times in the workplace, but there’s only so much neglect they can really take. Read on for some tips on how to ensure you’re giving your eyes the best treatment while you’re hard at work in the office.
Take eye breaks
Essentially this is as simple as looking away from your computer screen every fifteen minutes – or even more regularly, in an ideal scenario. Don’t just stare into space as an alternative though; instead, it’s advised that you focus on something up close (your hand perhaps) and then further away (out of the window, or across the room) as an exercise in depth-perception.
Take proper breaks
The above tip is not really enough on its own; you need to take some serious breaks too. This doesn’t mean minimising your work screen and logging onto Facebook either – it means getting up, going outdoors, walking around, breathing in the air and calling your best friend. These will do wonders for not only your eyes, but also your general feeling of well-being, too.
Do eye exercises
This may sound a bit comedic, but eye exercises are worth doing. We don’t suggest you sit in the middle of your office looking like a slapstick comedian though – head for somewhere private (stairwell, toilet) and roll your eyes in circles and opposite directions. Also do some serious blinking – we blink far, far less when gawping at a computer screen. And when we blink less, our eyes can dry out. Keep them moist, and they’ll work better.
Lunch well
What you eat affects your eyes. Foods that are high in lutein such as eggs, carrot, spinach, beetroot, pistachio nuts and noodles will do your eyes a world of good. Likewise, drink a decent amount of water throughout the day, as the air conditioning in the summer and the heating in the winter – as well as coffee-drinking – will really dry out your peepers.
Ensure your workstation is level
This is an all-too-common cause of eye-strain that most people are not even aware of. Your computer screen should be at the very least arm’s length away. It should also be level with your gaze as much as is possible – you shouldn’t be craning your neck up to see it or looking down at it.
By following these simple and straightforward tips, you could save yourself a lot of trouble and ensure you eyesight remains in the best possible state while toiling in the office from one day to the next. If you already suffer from poor vision however, you may want to look into Intralase Lasik Laser eye surgery.
