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How to Prevent Eyestrain While
Working from Home

Did you know that researchers estimate that the average American that gets around 8 hours of sleep a day also spends six hours and 43 minutes staring at a screen? That equates to almost 8,000 days in someone's lifetime.

Today many jobs are work from home, and it's hard to close that computer screen right at 5 PM, or when you do close it, you immediately go to your phone or turn on the tv. Keep reading, and we will walk you through how to prevent eyestrain while working remotely.

Computer Eye Strain

The potential impact of too much screen time includes eye fatigue, which is when your eyes are exhausted from intense screen use. This can lead to double vision, headaches, and you may find it a struggle to concentrate.

You may also feel your eyes get dry or irritated because you tend to blink less when you're staring at a screen. We will guide you through how to prevent eyestrain.

Maintain Proper Posture

Your posture and eyes are connected, and if you maintain the correct posture while you work is the first line of defense against eyestrain.

The correct sitting position includes feet flat on the floor, wrists lifted slightly, and put your computer screen right below your natural line of eyesight, so you are gazing downward.

Find the Right Lighting

If your computer is backlit, you will still want to make sure the room you're working in has the proper lighting. If it's too light or dark, it can lead to eyestrain and headaches.

The screen should be bright enough so you can read, but not lighting up the whole room. You want to make sure there's not another light shining on it because that will create a glare.

You also can put a screen over your computer, which will reduce brightness and you'll still be able to read. Some people even get blue-light glasses to try to reduce their exposure to computer lighting.

Increase Font Size

If you find yourself squinting to try to read an email or PowerPoint presentation, increase your font size to reduce stress on your eyes.

If it's in your budget, you can also get a bigger computer monitor, which will automatically make everything more prominent and easier to read.

Take Breaks

Use the 20-20-20 rule, which means every 20 minutes, you need to focus on something that's 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It's even better if you can take a second to go for a walk outside or get up and go into your kitchen.

Technology Free Zone

Along with taking breaks, create technology-free spaces in your home—places where you aren't looking at your computer, phone, tablet, or tv.

If you're looking for other work from home tips or remote studying, check out Youthline.