•Dr Priscilia Imade
When you think about your daily routine, you may realise that your eyes are one of your most valuable tools.
At work, you rely on your vision to read, write, use computers, communicate, and stay safe in your environment. Yet many people only begin to pay attention to their eyes when discomfort or vision problems arise.
To truly love your eyes at work, you must take intentional steps to protect them from strain, fatigue, and long-term damage.
SCREEN BREAKS
One of the most effective habits you can develop is taking regular breaks from screens. The twenty-twenty rule is a simple method you can practise every day. After every twenty minutes of focusing on your screen, look at something about twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds. This brief pause relaxes the muscles inside your eyes and prevents them from becoming overworked. If you practise this regularly, you will notice that your eyes feel less tired, your vision is clearer, and your productivity improves.
LIGHTING
The lighting in your workplace also has a direct effect on your eyes. If your computer screen is too bright or if there is glare from overhead lights or nearby windows, your eyes will strain to adjust. You can love your eyes by making sure that your workstation has proper lighting. Use blinds or curtains to control natural light, reduce reflections on your screen, and adjust your monitor brightness to match the light in the room. By doing this, you create a healthier visual environment.
WORKSTATION
Another important factor is how you sit and position your equipment. An ergonomic setup not only protects your posture but also reduces eye strain. You should place your monitor at arm’s length, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Your chair should support your back, and your feet should rest flat on the floor. When your workstation is arranged correctly, your eyes do not need to struggle with awkward angles or constant refocusing.
EYE CHECKS
In addition to what you can do personally, your employer also has a role to play. A caring workplace encourages staff to undergo regular eye health checks. These checks can detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataract, or digital eye strain. When your employer invests in these screenings, it shows a commitment to your overall well-being and ensures that you remain healthy and productive.
BLUE LIGHT
Finally, you should be aware of the effects of blue light, which comes from digital screens. Although research on its long-term effects continues, many people experience discomfort after prolonged exposure. You can protect your eyes by using blue light filters on your devices or wearing glasses designed to reduce blue light. These small adjustments may reduce glare, improve comfort, and help you sleep better at night.
Loving your eyes at work is about making simple but powerful choices every day. By taking screen breaks, adjusting your lighting, arranging your workstation ergonomically, attending regular eye checks, and protecting yourself from blue light, you are not only caring for your eyes but also enhancing your performance and quality of life.
Your eyes are your partners in every task, and when you love them at work, they will serve you well for years to come.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
