Have you ever thought about how your desk setup could influence your eye health? With the digitized world progressively turning us into screen-dependent beings, our eyes are most definitely requiring a reprieve. So, let the journey begin as we learn to maximize visual comfort by setting up the ideal healthy eyes workstation.
The Screen Position: Getting It Right
Let’s start with your screen, the main culprit behind digital eye strain. Incorrect positioning can strain your eyes, causing discomfort. Consider the following advice from Dr. Wes Heroman:
“Place your monitor at arm’s length, approximately 20 to 28 inches away from your eyes. The top of the screen should be level with, or slightly below, your line of sight when sitting upright.”, explained Dr. Heroman. This positioning reduces your need to strain your neck or eyes when viewing the screen.
Lighting Matters: Set the Ideal Illumination
Proper lighting can make a world of difference. Poor lighting may lead to issues like glare or shadows on your screen, causing eye strain. Dr. Heroman suggests:
“Use soft, diffuse light to illuminate your workspace, minimizing screen glare. You might want to consider a desk lamp with a moveable shade that allows you to adjust the light direction.”
Adjust Display Settings: Enhance Readability
Tiny fonts, low contrast, high brightness, or improper color temperature? All these screen settings can strain your eyes. Dr. Wes Heroman advises to tune your display:
“Adjust your screen’s display settings to make computer usage comfortable for your eyes. This might mean increasing the font size, adjusting the screen’s contrast and brightness, and setting a colour temperature that’s restful for your eyes. There are even software tools available to remind you to take breaks and adjust your screen’s color temperature based on the time of day.” Dr. Heroman further suggests to adopt a sort of customized approach, as everyone’s vision comfort varies differently.
The Magic Of Breaks: Embrace The 20-20-20 Rule
Staring intently on your screen for hours on end? Bad news for your eyes. “Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away,” recommends Dr. Heroman. This simple rule can both minimize the effects of digital eye strain and keep your eyes more comfortable throughout the day.
Don’t Forget Your Glasses Or Contacts
If you use corrective lenses, make sure they’re suitable for the computer usage. Dr. Wes Heroman advises:
“If you’re experiencing discomfort even after adjusting your screen settings and workspace, it’s possible that your lenses might be contributing to the discomfort, it might be worth consulting with an optometrist about specialized computer glasses.”
Bring In The Green!
This might sound surprising, but including plants around your desk can provide significant benefits to your visual health. Indoor greenery can not only contribute to reducing stress, but it also creates a visual distraction that encourages you to regularly change your focus from the screen.
Conclusion: Visual Comfort For Productive Days
Reshaping our workstation to safeguard our eyes might seem initially daunting but remember, every small change makes a big difference. Dr. Heroman often says, “Focus on one adjustment at a time, and gradually incorporate these changes into your workspace”. After all, your eyes are the windows to your productivity. So, let’s focus on maintaining their wellness and comfort at the workstation for a brighter, clearer tomorrow!
