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Depending on the type of work you do, most modern work is done in front of a screen or multiple screens. I, personally, work at my desk and look at two screens, side by side. Though this set up is nice, it is important to remember that eyestrain is a real concern over time. Check out these 10 steps to keep your eyes healthy.

1. Get an eye exam.
2. Use proper lighting. Close the shades, drapes, or blinds to reduce the amount of excessively bright light from outside.
3. Minimize glare. Again, check how if the blinds on windows are closed. If you wear glasses (like me) make sure they have anti-reflective coating.
4. It’s time for a Monitor Makeover if you are still using an old tube-style monitor. Make sure it is a LCD monitor.
5. Adjust the display settings. This gets a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears but it is worth playing with the settings of brightness, text size and contrast, and color temperature adjusted to your liking.
6. Blink! Seriously though. Take time to blink and reduce dry eyes. A good rule of thumb is to blink (slowly) 10 times, every 20 minutes.
7. The 20-20-20 Rule. This one is my favorite. Every 20 minutes look at an object that is approximately 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Easy to remember and reduces eye fatigue. Win-Win.
8. Take breaks. No. Really. Peel yourself away from your computer to walk around the business park and then get back to work refreshed.
9. Evaluate your workstation and check your posture. (What would your mother say if she saw you slouched over like that?!?)
10. Consider computer eyeware. Some of the techs in the office wear specific types of glasses that are customized computer glasses. If you are staring at a computer screen day in and day out – consider this an investment in your eye health.

And as always, discuss your options with your optometrist.