1. Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

The first solution to a healthier eye at home is cutting down screen time. CVS is a condition where the eye becomes weaker over time due to prolonged screen usage. Whether you are on your phone or your desktop, CVS can affect your eye negatively with symptoms such as blurry vision, trouble focusing, dizziness, and irritation. However, if you work from home spending time on your devices is often unavoidable. If you must spend excessive time on your devices, it is best to maintain a distance of at least 20-28 inches and take consistent breaks to avoid damaged eyesight.

2. Reduce Light Exposure… Especially Before Bed

Sitting at your screen all day can mean you have high exposure to blue light… and if you have to work in the evening, you may find your exposure continues well past working hours. Research suggests that blue light, bright lights, glares and flashing lights contribute to the disruption of the body’s natural sleep cycle. With improper sleep, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, restlessness and poor coordination. These symptoms not only affect your eyes but your overall well being. Using proper lighting conditions before bed will help combat these issues and relax the tension of your eye muscles.

3. Regular Exercise

Believe it or not, exercise has significant health benefits… even for your eyes! When we work from home, it can be difficult to stay active in the same way we might be able to at the office. Even what may seem like insignificant exercise—walking to your transit stop, visiting a coworker’s desk, or heading to an off-site lunch or meeting—still keeps you moving throughout the day. This type of movement is less common when you work from home.

Sitting in the same posture for a long length time without movement puts you at risk of muscle stiffness, neck pain and headaches. These symptoms can limit the blood flow to your retina and optic nerves, contributing to blurry or tunnel vision. If you find yourself stiff, take a break to walk around your home or neighbourhood. Want to be even more active? Cardio exercises such as jumping jacks, running and yoga will keep your body healthy and ensure there’s proper blood flow to the eyes.

4. Follow The 20-20-20 Rule

Prolonged focus of the eye on an object—be it a computer screen, book, or television—can cause eye strain and irritation. The simple 20-20-20 rule allows you to take short breaks that help you reset your focus. Once every 20 minutes, look away in a different direction at an object 20 or more feet away from you. Stare softly at the object for 20 seconds and continue your work when completed. If you’ve got a nice view from your window, admiring the natural beauty of the outdoors is a great place to practice this rule!

5.Proper Ventilation

Finally, the air quality in your home can also negatively affect your eyes. Dry or stale air in your home can cause dry eyes, irritation and itchiness, and could also expose your eyes to dust and allergens. When working from home, it is important to not only keep your environment clean, but to constantly ensure you have proper airflow through your space. In the warmer months, open a window; in the colder months, ensure your heating system is working properly, and use a portable air purifier if possible to keep air fresh.

While these tips can help protect your eyesight as you work from home, regular eye examinations are the best way to ensure your eyes are staying healthy. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above for a prolonged period of time, please seek professional eyecare advice to prevent further damage. For more information on getting an eye checkup, please visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appoinment or call us at (416) 656-2020 (Toronto), (416) 661-5555 (North York).

The post Keeping Your Eyes Healthy While Working From Home appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

If you find you are experiencing dry eyes this winter, it is important to see your eye care professional as soon as you are able to provide diagnosis and relief.  In the meantime, however, here are five ways to combat the onset of dry eyes this winter.

1. Artificial Tears

Artificial tears can be a good temporary, over-the-counter solution to combat discomfort caused by winter dry eyes. If you are looking for relief, ensure that you find a brand that is meant to restore moisture to the eyes rather than combat redness.  In fact, while redness removal eye drops can provide temporary relief, they may in fact worsen dry eyes in the long run.

Artificial tears should be used as a short-term solution, and use should be accompanied by scheduling a visit to see your optometrist. They will be able to assess the severity of your dry eyes and prescribe a more permanent treatment.

2. Warm Compresses

To help soothe dry eye symptoms while you await your appointment, warm compresses are a good solution.  The application of a warm compress can help soothe dry eye symptoms by helping to open blocked oil glands in the eyelids, allowing for better eye lubrication. Soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it to closed eyes for approximately ten minutes to find relief—and relaxation. You can apply the compress throughout the day as a relaxing break, or make it a part of your bedtime routine.

3. Avoid Heaters

While the winter season may seem the perfect excuse to cozy up in front of a fire, this warming activity may in fact be worsening your dry eyes. Sitting in front of a heat source or air vent evaporates the moisture in your eyes, leading to dry, irritated eyes.

In order to minimize dry eye symptoms in the winter, avoid sources of dry heat such as heaters and fires… even though you may want to stay as close as possible! Car heaters can also be a culprit, as hot air often blows directly into your face. To avoid this, use your car’s floor heaters to stay warm, rather than those at face level.

4. Use Humidifiers

While using heating in winter may dry out your air (and eyes) it can be combatted by keeping your home humidified. The use of heating systems in winter months dries out the air leading to dried out and dehydrated eyes… and worsening dry eye symptoms. Invest in a couple of portable humidifiers and place them in high use areas—such as at your desk or in your bedroom—in order to provide some relief. Whole home humidifiers are a more permanent solution, and will allow you to be comfortable throughout your home.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy

Finally, staying hydrated will help to keep both your skin and eyes hydrated. If you do not enjoy water, try adding lemon or drinking herbal tea to boost hydration throughout the day. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, as caffeine is a diuretic and can actually dehydrate you, worsening your dry eyes symptoms.

A healthy diet can also help to combat dry eye symptoms. To keep eyes hydrated, eat food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, or take an Omega-3 supplement, as the healthy fat can help to keep your eyes lubricated. Vitamins A, C, and E can also help support your eyes. Citrus fruits, carrots, avocados, and leafy greens contain these vitamins, and can help support your overall health throughout the winter months.

With these tips, you will be able to minimize your dry eye symptoms this winter season. For long-term dry eye relief, or if your eyes are severely irritated or dry, it is important to visit your optometrist. They will examine your eyes, assess the problem, and discuss various treatment options with you. Dr D’Orio provides specialized treatment plans for dry eyes and can help you combat dryness this winter, keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable!

The optometry team at Dr D’Orio Eyecare can assist you with your vision needs. To book an appointment visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for North York.

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