Spending long hours in front of the computer at work? Take a cue from the American Academy of Ophthalmology as it observes Workplace Eye Wellness Month in March.
Eye health is more important than you may think. Frequent visits to an eye doctor can help detect common vision problems in their early stages:
- Diabetic retinopathy: Vision loss most common to occur in people with diabetes
- Glaucoma: Damage to the eye’s optic nerve
- Cataract: Development of clouding in the eye’s lens
- Age-related macular degeneration: Top cause of vision loss in people 50 and older
Protecting your vision at work doesn’t have to be hard. Add these six sight savers from AAO to your daily routine:
- Sit 25 inches from the computer screen, gazing downward
- Reduce glare with a matte screen filter
- Think “20-20-20”: Look away from the screen every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Increase screen contrast settings on your computer, phone, tablet, and other devices
- Create reminders to blink: Try sticky notes on your desk or mobile phone reminders
- Swap contacts for glasses when working overtime
Outside of the office environment, it’s important to follow these prevention tips to keep healthy and happy eyes:
- Visit your eye doctor: Complete an eye exam to test your vision
- Feed your sight: Eat dark, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale to nourish your sight
- Limit sun exposure: Wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays
- Stay smoke-free: Avoid smoking because it’s linked to health problems that cause blindness
- Protect from injury: Wear protective eyewear such as safety glasses and goggles to provide protection during specific activities
Maintaining your eye health allows you to live an overall healthier lifestyle as you grow older.
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