Seven Tips To Keep Your Eyes Comfortable As You Return To Work

The festive season is a time for relaxation, but returning to the workplace often translates to long-hour routines in front of computer screens.

As the celebrations wind down and work resumes, you may notice your eyes feeling a bit worse for wear. Whether it’s from holiday travel, late nights, or increased screen time, the post-holiday transition can be tough on your eyes.

Here's how you can ease that transition, with a view to keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy:

1. Eye Hydration: The holiday break may have given your eyes a rest, but now those eyes are back to facing the challenge of screen time. Blink frequently to help keep your eyes moist. When we stare at screens, our blink rate can drop significantly, leading to dry eyes. Also, make sure you're drinking plenty of water; hydration plays a key role in maintaining eye moisture. If you're prone to dry eyes, consider using lubricating eye drops to provide additional relief.
2. Screen Settings: Before you dive deep into work, adjust your screen brightness to match the lighting in your room. If your screen is too bright or too dark, it can strain your eyes. Additionally, blue light filters, either through software or screen guards, can be beneficial. They help in reducing the fatigue caused by long hours of screen exposure; this is particularly helpful, considering that you are just getting off a period of reduced screen time.
3. Regular Breaks: It’s easy to forget about breaks when you're catching up on work, but they are crucial for eye health. Implement a routine where you take short breaks every hour. This could mean standing up to stretch, walking around, or just closing your eyes for a few minutes to rest them. Adhere to the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps in relaxing the focus muscles of your eyes.
4. Appropriate Workspace Setup: Your environment at work can significantly impact your eye comfort. Ensure that your workspace setup supports good posture. Your screen should be at eye level or slightly below to avoid neck strain, and lighting should be balanced to avoid glare. Positioning your screen to avoid reflections from windows or overhead lights can also make a big difference.
5. Eye Tests: If you’ve noticed any discomfort, blurred vision, or headaches after returning to work, it may be time for an eye exam. The holiday season’s late nights and screen use can highlight underlying vision issues or signal that your prescription needs updating. Regular check-ups ensure your eyes stay healthy and prepared for the demands of work.
6. Reduce Screen Time at Night: The transition back to work could include late-night work sessions. However, too much screen time at night can disrupt your sleep cycle and increase eye strain. Use night mode settings on devices, which adjust the screen's colour temperature to reduce blue light exposure. Alternatively, try to limit screen time before bed to promote better sleep and reduce eye strain.
7. Eye-friendly Nutrition: The food you eat certainly affects your eyes. Your diet should include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish or flaxseeds), lutein (found in leafy greens), and vitamins C and E (present in many fruits and nuts). These nutrients support eye health, potentially reducing the risk of eye diseases and enhancing visual comfort.

Returning to work after the holidays shouldn’t put your vision in jeopardy. As you settle back into your work routine, remember that small changes can have a big impact on your eye health. By following these tips, you protect your vision and also enhance your overall work experience. 

If you have any questions regarding eye care at Optimax, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are more than happy to discuss queries with you over the phone (0800 093 1110) or email (enquiry@optimax.co.uk).