Are You Unknowingly Straining Your Eyes at Work?

Eye Strain Manifests Itself in Various Symptoms

Eye strain manifests itself in various symptoms: dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and sometimes back pain. (Envato Elements pic)

PARIS: People often spend long hours in front of a computer, smartphone, or tablet when they’re working. This overexposure puts significant pressure on their eyes and can have far-reaching consequences.

Prolonged Exposure to Screens: A Growing Concern

Prolonged exposure to screens, combined with artificial lighting, is one of the main causes of visual fatigue, also known as “digital fatigue.”

The Survey Results

To better understand the scale of the phenomenon, VSP Vision Care, an insurance company specialising in vision health, teamed up with Workplace Intelligence to survey 800 HR managers and 800 full-time employees in the USA.

The survey revealed that workers spend an average of 97 hours a week in front of a screen, including 34.2 hours on a computer.

The Consequences of Eye Strain

Eye strain manifests itself in various symptoms, including dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and sometimes back pain.

Nearly 63% of employees reported suffering from at least one of these symptoms, compared to 50% last year, an increase of 26%.

Lack of Awareness within Companies

In terms of professional performance, nearly six out of 10 employees said that digital fatigue reduced their productivity and efficiency.

About 50% said it impacted their general well-being, preventing them from enjoying their leisure time after work and making them more irritable at the office.

Combating Eye Strain

To combat eye strain, experts recommend applying the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds by looking at an object at least six metres away.

Other solutions exist, such as yoga for the eyes, an eye exercise aimed at strengthening the eye muscles and improving their endurance.

Conclusion

Given the omnipresence of screens in everyone’s professional lives, digital eye strain has become a real public health issue. However, it is still largely underestimated in companies.

While workers must adopt better habits to preserve their vision, it is also essential that employers take concrete measures to limit the effects of this overexposure.

FAQs

Q: What are the symptoms of eye strain?
A: Dry and irritated eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and sometimes back pain.

Q: How can I combat eye strain?
A: Apply the 20-20-20 rule, take regular breaks, and consider eye exercises like yoga for the eyes.

Q: Why is eye strain a growing concern?
A: Prolonged exposure to screens, combined with artificial lighting, is a major cause of visual fatigue.

Q: What can employers do to help?
A: Encourage employees to take regular breaks, provide anti-glare filters for screens, and consider implementing eye care programs.