The ultimate eyecare guide to working from home

Despite the lifting of lockdown rules and a big push back into offices, many of us will still have the option to work from home (whether it’s from the couch or the kitchen table is up to you!).

But working from home brings its own challenges for our eyes. So here’s our quick guide to keeping your eyes healthy while you’re working from home.

With Zoom meetings replacing face-to-face conversations and Slack chats replacing catch-ups by the kettle, working from home means spending even more time looking at our computer than in the office. And as we all know, looking at a screen too long can be tiring to our eyes. In fact, digital eye strain (DES) can cause eye strain headaches and even eye strain migraines.

How to detect DES

If you’re spending a lot of time at the computer and experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from digital eye strain:

• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Redness in the eyes
• Double vision
• Vertigo or dizziness

• Blurred vision

  How to prevent it

The 20-20-20 rule - Every 20 minutes, spend at least 20 seconds looking at an object 20 feet (6 metres) away. This will give your near-sighted vision a break and allow your eyes to adjust to distance vision.

Drink plenty of water - An important way to help avoid dry eyes caused by digital eye strain is to stay hydrated. Experts recommend 6-8 glasses of water a day (and yes, tea and coffee count!). If the dry eyes persist, you might need eye drops (artificial teardrops) to hydrate and protect the eye's surface. You can read more here.

Blink more often - When looking at screens for long periods, we blink less – by as much as 66%.[1] The lack of lubrication causes our eyes to become dry, tired and itchy. An easy way to prevent this is to remember to blink more often. Why not place a sticky note to the side of your screen with ‘BLINK’ in big letters to help you remember? Or better still, take more breaks! [2][3]

Regular eye tests are essential

The NHS recommends we get our eyes tested at least every two years, as it’s important that any changes to your eyes, however small, are examined by an Optometrist. If you’re suffering from dry, itchy eyes or blurry vision, make sure you get your eyes examined as soon as possible.

Book online today

Call Leightons to book an appointment with one of our expert optometrists on 0800 40 20 20 or book an eye examination online. During your consultation, you’ll be able to ask for more information on eye care while working from home, what eye problems cause headaches or anything else you might be concerned about.

Get total eye and hearing care for just £12 a month

Become a MyLeightons member and get complete care for your eyes and ears for less than the cost of a TV licence. MyLeightons membership gives you:

• An annual Ultimate Eye Examination, including Dry Eye Assessment
• 20% off complete glasses and 30% off a second pair when purchased within three months of your first.
• 20% off prescription and non-prescription sunglasses.
• 10% off hearing aids
• Hearing aid battery discounts
• And much, much more

Find out more about the full benefits of MyLeightons.

[1] Gowrisankaran et al. Asthenopia and Blink Rate Under Visual and Cognitive Loads. Optometry and Vision Science, Vol. 89, No. 1, January 2012. pg 97-104

[2] Tsubota K, Nakamori K. Dry eyes and video display terminals. N Engl J Med

[3] Effect of visual display unit use on blink rate and tear stability S.Patel, R.Henderson, L. Bradley, B.Galloway, L. Hunter.