Let’s face it – working on the computer eight hours a day, five days a week can really take a toll on your eyes. We’ve all been there, that moment when you realize you haven’t looked away from the screen in over an hour, your vision becomes blurry, and fatigue and headaches start to set in.

This is a common workplace problem, so common that it actually has a name in the medical field called “computer vision syndrome (CVS)”. According to WebMD, 50-90% of people who work on computers daily have problems with their eyes, whether it be vision problems or just eye strain in general.

You may think that there’s nothing you can do about it, since looking at a computer is a major part of your job, but there is.

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Get Routine Eye Exams

Just like going to your regular doctor for check-ups, it’s actually very important when working with computers to get an eye exam and check your prescriptions if you wear glasses or contacts. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), it’s recommended to have one yearly.

Make Sure to Have the Proper Lighting

Many of us work in offices with fluorescent lighting along with our screens, but when possible (like when working from home or weekends), try and keep the lights down so that you do not cause any additional strain. You can also adjust the brightness on your monitor (and phone for that matter!) In addition, if you are near windows, try and eliminate any glare they may cause by closing the blinds or curtains.

Blink More

This seems obvious, but it actually does dry your eyes out when you stare too long, and blinking more frequently (especially when you feel a strain), helps to keep your eyes moist and less likely to become impacted by the screen.

Consider Computer Eyewear

Many people aren’t aware of this, but if many of these tips don’t help, there is actual computer eyewear you can purchase! These computer glasses are prescription eyewear that helps with glare and overall eye strain. You can check with your optometrist to see if you are a candidate for these.

Adjust Screen Resolution

This actually helps because if your monitor isn’t set at a high resolution, the images can be blurry and cause strain. Sharper, crisper images are easier for the eyes to register.

Take Breaks

This tip is one that we all know we should do in any work environment, but it’s definitely common for people working online to get caught up in something and not take their eyes into consideration. It’s always good to give yourself time away from staring at the screen, whether it be a quick stretch around the office, or even just looking away every twenty minutes to update a notebook or organize your desk. You can always use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break, and look at something 20 feet away).

Hopefully, when remembering to use these suggestions daily, “CVS” won’t be a problem. Remember, a few eye breaks a day keeps the optometrist away!

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