How do I protect my eyes in this industry?

Started my analyst stint at a boutique ~3 months ago, hours have been good but tons of facetime. I try to prep for PE recruiting and catch up on emails every day after work, and that's been culminating to about 16-17 hours of screen time a day.

I have great vision and don't wear glasses, but recently started getting dry eye, which led to a 2-week long stye in both eyes. Since then, I've noticed that my eyes have just been tired, no matter how much sleep I get.

I saw my parents for the first time in a while yesterday, and they told me my eyes look droopy, and I consistently have the thousand yard stare. I take good care of my health and eat well, and try to look away from my computer every 30 minutes, while using eye drops consistently.

I'm starting to get concerned about my eyes. While my vision is still fine, something doesn't feel right. How do you take care of your eyes?

11 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips to protect your eyes in the finance industry:

Eye Care Tips:

  1. Regular Breaks:

    • Look away from the screen every 20 minutes. It's especially good to look out a window and switch between focusing on the glass pane and the objects through the window. This strengthens the eye muscles that degrade when you stare at a screen.
  2. Visual Focus:

    • If your attention wanders, stare at one spot for 60 seconds. Visual focus is a precursor to mental focus.
  3. Sunlight and Fresh Air:

    • Spend some time daily outdoors and in the sun (wear sunscreen daily too, of course). Sunlight is important for improving mood and walking (or any ambular motion) is great for reducing anxiety.
  4. Hydration and Eye Drops:

    • Continue using eye drops consistently to combat dry eyes. Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
  5. Screen Time Management:

    • Block distractions if working from home using tools like ColdTurkey or equivalent to reduce unnecessary screen time.
  6. Posture and Ergonomics:

    • Get back support for your desk to improve posture, which can indirectly reduce eye strain by promoting a more comfortable working position.
  7. Sleep and Rest:

    • Ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep whenever you can. Quality sleep is crucial for eye health and overall well-being.
  8. Eye Exercises:

    • Perform eye exercises to strengthen your eye muscles. This can include focusing on distant objects, rolling your eyes, and blinking frequently to keep them moist.

Additional Health Tips:

  • Healthy Diet:

    • Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support eye health, such as Vitamin A, C, E, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Avoid Excessive Screen Time Before Bed:

    • Don't have any overhead lights or electronic screens 1.5 hours before bed to help your eyes relax and prepare for sleep.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can help protect your eyes and maintain good vision despite the long hours of screen time.

Sources: What is everyone's daily morning/evening routine like?, , Anti Aging / Staying Healthy, Bottom buckets: Where are you now?, A Skincare Guide for Beginners

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I am having the same problem and went to see a doctor recently. Would recommend you do the same as it will only get worse.

Given your vision is good, I think your problem is caused by the blue light in electronic devices. This is what causes the eyes to get dry as well. I also tried to take breaks. I turn the night mode on in my devices but it still doesn't solve the problem.

I was recommended to wear glasses with blue light filtering. If this would be the case for you, try to at least wear them when you have to look at screens. 

 

lubricant eye drops 4-5 times a day should be part of your daily routine now if you spend that much time, wear glasses with blue light filtering + eye vitamins: Macuhealth, VisionMD or PreserVision

 

Blue light flitering non corrective lenses.  I will make one thing VERY clear.  You must train yourself 100% to take them off when you are doing color critical work. 

 

Drink lots of water.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
SuQ_MaDiQ

30 minutes is great, but the rule of 20 has worked better for me.

every 20 mins, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

this rehydrates my eyes a little at a time

This rehydrates your eyes? Sounds like quasi - science to me. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

as far as I know, if you keep staring at something close to you (screen), your glands dont produce a lot of water and you blink less

when you get a break every ~20 mins, your eyes shift their focus to something far away and glands releases some moisture and youll get a sudden urge to blink, spreading the moisture throught the eye

i dont know if its real or quasi or placebo, i just felt better with that. and "20 rule" is easy to remember

 

Use the in-built nightlight filter on windows. It will help take the edge off the blue light.

Adjust your monitor brightness and contrast so that it 'feels' to have a very similar light level to the ambient light level in your office. People typically have their monitors set too bright.

I've been a pc gamer since I was a child, and still play games after finishing a long day of peering at numbers on a screen. Still perfect vision and I never have eye strain, dry eyes, etc.

 

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Mark

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