Protect your eyes from strain while working remotely

Hellen Sanya
Runnovate Virtual Assistants
3 min readNov 9, 2023

Screens have seamlessly evolved into the canvas on which we conduct our daily lives — whether it’s work, connecting with loved ones, or embarking on digital adventures. This is especially true for people working remotely. It’s likely you’ve felt the subtle discomfort, the dryness, and the undeniable signs of eye strain that often accompany prolonged screen time. This prevalent issue can take its toll on those who immerse themselves in the pixelated world for extended periods. The great news is that you hold the power to proactively protect your eyes from the challenges posed by the digital age.

Here are some effective ways to safeguard your eyes:‍

Tips to protect your eyes from strain when working online

Follow the 20–20–20 rule

Adhere to the 20–20–20 rule, which suggests that for every 20 minutes spent staring at a screen, take a 20-second break to focus on an object at least 20 feet away. This simple practice reminds you to take regular breaks, reducing the risk of eye strain from prolonged screen use.

Consider computer glasses

Invest in computer glasses, which are specially designed to reduce the strain caused by prolonged screen exposure. They can help alleviate discomfort and fatigue. Blue light-blocking glasses, in particular, have specialized coatings that filter out a portion of the harmful blue light emitted by screens. Blue light can contribute to eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns. Blue light-blocking glasses can help reduce these effects.

Natural eye exercises

If you have access to a window, occasionally shift your focus to a distant object, like a tree or the clouds. This natural exercise can help relax your eyes, particularly if your work involves constant screen usage.

Adjust screen brightness

Adjusting the brightness of your screen is crucial for reducing eye strain and promoting overall eye health. Excessive brightness can cause discomfort, leading to symptoms like eye fatigue, headaches, and even potential long-term issues. Finding the right balance that suits your environment and comfort level is essential.

Choose eye-friendly fonts

Selecting the right font can significantly impact readability and reduce eye strain, especially when reading from digital screens. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Verdana are generally recommended for on-screen reading due to their simplicity and legibility.

Light and dark mode usage

Use light mode and dark mode settings appropriately on your screens. Dark mode can be less straining on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions, while light mode may be more suitable in well-lit environments.‍

By incorporating these practices into your digital routine, you can effectively reduce the risk of eye strain and promote healthier screen usage habits.

Get involved with Runnovate

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Hellen Sanya
Runnovate Virtual Assistants

I oversee the Operations and Marketing activities at Runnovate