Combating computer eye-strain in the workplace

We stare at the computer for hours on end, it’s no surprise that our eyes are suffering. Work-place eyestrain isn't talked about until it becomes an issue - when it’s hurting productivity. How can you continue to do work when the machine that allows you to do so hurts your eyes?

It seems obvious to say and the numbers back that up. In a recent study by the Transitions Optical Workplace Wellness Survey, 99% of workers say that seeing well at work makes it easier to do their job. But still, almost 75% of the takers of this survey say that they frequently experience eye strain.

What are the symptoms of eye-strain? (From the Mayo Clinic)

• Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes.
• Watery or dry eyes.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Headache.
• Sore neck, shoulders or back.
• Increased sensitivity to light.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open.

All this can seriously impact your worker’s quality of life and your workplace’s productivity.

Luckily, there are preventative measures you can use to help your employees.

These include:

• Taking a break and looking at non-screens.
• Turning down the brightness on the screens (the screen shouldn’t be brighter than the surroundings)
• Eyedrops (because you blink less when you’re reading on the screen)
• Wearing glasses instead of contacts to give your eyes a break

But what is the most important thing of all? Health insurance with vision benefits.

The tips above can only do so much to compact eye strain and it’s important for overall eye health to get regular checkups with an eye doctor. In fact, nearly two in three employees say they would be more likely to accept a job offering vision benefits. Encouraging your employees to take preventative care of their eyes is the most important step in combating eye strain and further complications with their eye health.

At the eye doctor, employees can talk about their issues with eyestrain and get tips on what eyedrops to use. They also can get quality eyewear that will protect their eyes from the light of screens, also called blue-light glasses or transitional lenses that protect from blue light and harmful UV rays outside.

Screens aren’t going anywhere and as a staple in the workplace, it’s important that employees can use them without discomfort. If you’re interested in adding or expanding your vision insurance to your company’s health insurance, contact us and can explore your options.