Strained eyes too common an occurrence at work

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Does your work demand that you stare at a computer screen for hours at a time? If so, eyestrain can become a serious problem. A newly released story by the everon small-business blog says that workers connected to their computers can face a host of problems, from watery eyes to headaches, increased sensitivity to light and difficulty focusing. The good news? Avoiding eyestrain is in fact quite easy, even if you need to stare at the monitor for eight hours. The everon blog provided some simple strategies for reducing the unwanted effects of eyestrain.

20/20/20 Rule

Workers seeking to avoid the problems of eye strain need to follow the 20/20/20 rule. This rule states that employees should every 20 minutes take a 20-second break. And during this quick break, they need to focus their eyes on an object that stands at least 20 feet away. This forces your eyes to focus on something besides a computer screen. In addition, it provides them with a brief workout. The story on everon also indicates that employees can every 20 minutes spend 20 seconds or more walking 20 feet or more, something that will also give a boost to their mental and physical well-being.

Workrave

Workrave received kudos from everon. This app will send a message onto employees’ computer screens telling them when it’s time to take a short eye break. The program will also suggest specific exercises for employees. A more advanced app is EyeLeo. This app will blank employee computer screens when it’s time for their short breaks. Then an animated leopard will guide employees through short eye exercises.

Coffee Break

Another favorite reminder app is Coffee Break, though it is only available for Apple devices. This app will slowly darken your screen as a pre-arranged break time nears. You will be motivated to take that important break as your screen gets darker and darker. Obviously, no app can make you take a health break. Nevertheless, do it for your own benefit. The work will still get done, and the health benefits to turning away from the screen are significant.