Protect your vision
The Next Web recently published an article entitled “7 things you can do right now to protect your vision“. The advice in it is so important to office and information workers that we just have to share it. We are going to look at the issues affecting the workplace here. Read the article to see how the vast array of electronic screens we increasingly use are destroying our eye sight. But most importantly take these actions to protect your vision.
Dim the lights
Your computer screen should be the brightest light in your workplace. So turn the overhead lights off. Use a task lamp for indirect light on your working surface. Ones that let you adjust lighting levels are best. Some great examples are Knoll’s Sparrow Lamp and Koncept’s Gravy, Mr. n or Equo lamps.
Prevent glare
Make sure your screen is evenly lit. Keep it clean away from window. Ideally you should use an anti-glare computer screen filter. Like these. They even have them for tablets and phones.
Reduce blue light exposure
Electronic screens emit blue light. Try to avoid them the final few hours before you go to bed. If you don’t it will take longer to fall asleep. And like most Americans you need all the sleep you can get.
While at work, Flux is a free program you can download to your computer to help with this. Check out the TNW article for the details.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Every twenty minutes you should look up from your computer at something at least twenty feet away for twenty seconds. Having soothing artwork in your workplace provides a great object to focus on.
Make your workspace eye friendly
Make sure to sit or stand with an ergonomically correct manner while at your desk. Depending on your height, your seat height should be 16 to 18 inches off the floor with your legs positioned in a ninety degree angle. Your keyboard should rest at 25 to 27 inches high. Your screen height should be 46 to 48 inches and 20 to 30 inches from your eyes. Give it a 10 to 20 degree tilt as well. Ideally you would have an adjustable height desk so you can stand at points throughout the day. Then your keyboard height would be 39 to 42 inches off the floor and the screen at 60 to 63 inches.
Ergonomic solutions include: height adjustable monitor arms, sit-stand keyboard trays and height adjustable tables or desks. Here’s a great video that shows how they can all work together.
Get enough vitamin-A
700-900 micrograms per day from sweet potatoes, carrots and leafy greens. Your local grocery store is going to have to help you with this one.
Pay attention to your eyes
If your eyes feel tired they are tired. Take a break from the screen and go for a walk. It’s also a great tactic to help you avoid the Sitting Disease.
Today’s electronic screens are diminishing our eyesight but it’s not too late to protect your vision. Take advantage of this great advice and save your eyes for the future.