How to care for your eyes while using a computer. The impact of remote work and learning on your eyesight.

How to care for your eyes while watching a computer? More months of the pandemic, more months of remote learning for students and remote work for a large group of office workers, teachers, academics, etc. These are long hours spent sitting in front of a computer monitor, often with little time to rest.

Ophthalmologists warn about the impact of remote work or learning on eyesight!

This form of professional activity is already starting to have consequences. As a result of spending long hours in front of a computer, vision deteriorates and eye problems develop. Staying in front of a screen for long periods of time in a dimly lit room increases the risk of vision impairment.

The first signs of eye weakness include pain and redness, watery eyes, headaches, and vision problems. Various spots, "flies," and so on may also appear.

Although screens have special protective measures, they can increase eye watering. The appearance of eye problems in those who haven't experienced them before should also be a red flag.

So how do you take care of your eyes while working remotely?

Eye moisturizing

When working at a computer, we often blink less often, and blinking, as we know, naturally lubricates the eyes. After several hours of work, eyes become red, burning, and itchy. How can we remedy this? It's important to maintain the proper humidity level in the room, and it's also worth asking your pharmacist for moisturizing eye drops. Try to use preservative-free drops.

The doctor will select the appropriate drops for your child at a pediatric ophthalmology consultation.

Ergonomic workstation at home

When working from home, it's worth organizing your workspace as best as possible. Ensure the room is properly lit. If the room is too bright or too dark, your eyes will strain not only from staring at the screen but also from picking out details. The monitor should be positioned sideways to a window or a light source.

Don't sit too close to the screen (minimum 40 cm distance). The laptop screen should be positioned at eye level.

Filters in corrective lenses

Often, our glasses, if we do wear them, are equipped with a coating that protects against artificial light from digital devices or artificial lighting. This solution prevents eyes from becoming tired and strained while working in such uncomfortable conditions. Currently, blue light-neutralizing lenses are chosen not only by people with visual impairments but are also an ideal solution for those who don't require prescription glasses.

Let's give our eyes a rest from the computer

Let's try to take breaks during which we look away from the monitor and into the distance, preferably at clusters of greenery. This is great relaxation for our eyes. Remember that without the proper balance between work and relaxation, we cannot have a well-rested body and healthy eyes.

Substantive consultation

Dr. Maria Tulidowicz-Bielak, MD