We’re all using screens more than ever before and for some of us we’ve noticed how new ways of working have taken a toll on our eyes. Itchiness, blurry vision and headaches – or eye strain – are among the common problems.
The 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20ft away, that’s about six meters, for 20 seconds. It stops your eye muscles getting overworked.
Blink
Blinking clears away dust and dirt and washes the surface of the eye with tear fluid. Without that moisture, the cornea becomes dry and the vision blurry. So, stop using screens every once in a while – and close your eyes completely.
Sort out your screen
Your screen should be an arm’s length away from your face. If the screen is too close, you risk continually overworking your eye muscles.
If you are working remotely and would benefit from a screen please submit a request to IT. You’ll need to also seek approval for the request from your line manager so let them know you’ll be requesting a screen and to look out for the IT request in their inbox.
Adjust your text
Think about adjusting the font size on documents if you can. It’s not a good idea to work on a smart phone or a tablet for long periods because the text is too small. Find a font size that is comfortable for you and try to use dark text on a light screen rather than the other way round – generally this is far better for your eyes.
Remember to also take a look at our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) page on The Insider for a reminder of how best to set up your desk to avoid poor posture and injury.