(BPT) – If you spend any extended length of time working on a screen, it’s possible that your eyes could be suffering from neglect and overwork. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help safeguard your optical health.
“Even if you don’t currently experience vision problems or have concerns about your optical health, it’s important to take proactive steps now,” says Chris DeSantis, senior vice president, GMM, sundries and services, BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Get regular exams
Having your eyes checked on schedule and keeping up to date on your prescriptions for glasses or contacts is crucial to maintaining your best possible vision and proper eye health.
BJ’s Wholesale Club has updated and redesigned their Optical Centers to be even more convenient and accessible and have implemented additional protocols to help keep members safe and healthy. At BJ’s Optical, members will find an even larger, high-quality frame assortment for the whole family, along with top contact lens brands and innovative prescription eyeglass lenses that can be customized to suit any lifestyle – all at an incredible value. That includes stylish designer name brands plus BJ’s exclusive Berkley Jensen and Club DeCode frames. You can also order contact lenses from BJs.com/Optical with free delivery, saving both time and money.
Protect your eyes
When you’re outdoors, be sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, recommends wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB radiation for maximum eye protection.
When you do yardwork, home improvement projects or hobbies such as woodworking, which could risk debris getting into or near your eyes, it’s important to wear protective goggles to help prevent injury.
You can also protect your eyes by washing your hands thoroughly and refraining from touching your eyes as much as possible in order to prevent infection.
If your eyes are itchy from allergies, try not to rub them as you increase the risk of scratching. Instead, apply allergy eye drops (only as recommended), without letting the dropper tip touch any part of your eyes, face or hands.
Give them a rest
Focusing on a screen for a fixed length of time can be rough on how your eyes feel and on your vision.
Medlineplus.gov recommends the easy-to-remember 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, pause to look about 20 feet away from your screen for at least 20 seconds. You may want to set your phone or computer alarm at 20-minute intervals to remind you to look away from your screen periodically throughout the day.
In addition, take a few minutes each hour to gently close your eyes for a minute, and try to get in the habit of regular, slow blinking during your workday to help keep your eyes adequately moisturized. Dry eyes can also benefit from an air moisturizer, especially during the winter or if you live in a dry climate.
Need new glasses, contacts and/or an eye exam for you or your family? Visit BJs.com/Optical for more information or to order contact lenses directly.
