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Protecting Your Vision

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a common issue in today's digital age. With the increasing reliance on screens for work, communication, and entertainment, many employees experience discomfort and vision problems. Monitoring and addressing eye strain in the workplace is crucial for maintaining employee wellbeing and productivity. 

In the UK, approximately  70% of adults  report experiencing eye strain after a long day at work and prolonged use of screens. Symptoms can include headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. These symptoms can reduce productivity and increase the risk of errors in tasks requiring visual precision. 

Tips to Reduce Eye Strain

Here are some practical tips to help reduce eye strain in the workplace: 

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20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

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Adjust Screen Settings

Ensure that brightness and contrast of your screen are set to comfortable levels which are similar to your surroundings. 

Contrast should be set around 60-70%. Text size should be large enough to read without straining. A good rule is to set the text size to at least 12 points.

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Modify your workstation

Your computer screen should be 20-24 inches from your eyes and the centre of the screen should be 10-15 degrees below your eye line.

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Maintain Proper Lighting

Avoid glare on your screen by positioning it away from direct light sources. Use blinds or curtains to control natural light.

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Use Artificial Tears

Nonprescription artificial tears can help prevent and relieve dry eyes. Avoid eye drops with redness removers, as they may worsen dry eye symptoms.

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Blink Often

Blinking helps keep your eyes moist and reduces dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, especially when using screens. 

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Take Regular Breaks

Stand up, stretch, and move around periodically to reduce overall fatigue and improve circulation.

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Diet

Eat foods that can contribute to maintaining and improving eye health such as fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds.

Bupa's Initiatives to Combat Eye Strain 

At Bupa, we're committed to promoting eye health and reducing digital eye strain among our people. Here are some of the measures we have implemented: 

  1. Ergonomic Workspaces: Our workstations are designed to promote good posture and reduce strain on the eyes, neck, and shoulders. This includes adjustable chairs, desks, and monitor stands. 
  2. Regular Eye Tests: We cover regular eye tests for employees using display screen equipment, ensuring early detection of vision issues. Permanent employees who work over 30 minutes a day on a computer and have been with Bupa for over three months are eligible for an eye test every two years. If glasses are needed, Bupa provides £50 towards the cost.
  3. MyHealthcare Primary Service: 24/7 support from our GPs / Nurses for eye strain and any related symptoms.

By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a healthier and more productive work environment for all our employees. 

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