Eye Strain at Work: Your Workspace Might Be the Problem

By the end of a busy workday, do your eyes feel tired, dry, blurry, or strained? Maybe you've noticed more headaches, neck tension, or shoulder discomfort after spending hours focusing on a screen.

You're not alone. Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, has become increasingly common as more Canadians spend their workdays using computers, tablets, phones, and other digital devices. Common symptoms include eye fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and neck or shoulder discomfort. Research also suggests that prolonged screen use can increase visual demands on the eyes and contribute to overall workplace discomfort.

It's Not Just an Eye Problem

Many people think eye strain is solely related to their vision, but your workspace setup can play a significant role.

When a monitor is positioned too high, too low, too far away, or off to one side, your body often compensates without you realizing it. You may find yourself leaning forward, tilting your head, squinting, or maintaining awkward postures for extended periods. Over time, these habits can contribute to discomfort in the neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists, and even the lower back.

Simple strategies that may help include:

• Positioning screens directly in front of you

• Reducing glare from windows or overhead lighting

• Adjusting text size for easier viewing

• Maintaining a comfortable screen distance

• Following the 20-20-20 Rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Ergonomics Isn't Just for Office Workers

When many people hear "ergonomic assessment," they picture an office desk.

However, ergonomics applies to virtually any work environment.

An ergonomic assessment can be valuable for:

Healthcare Professionals

Nurses, massage therapists, physiotherapists, dental professionals, and other healthcare workers often spend long hours bending, lifting, treating patients, or performing repetitive tasks.

Trades and Industrial Workers

Mechanics, electricians, welders, construction workers, and manufacturing employees may benefit from recommendations related to lifting techniques, tool positioning, workstation design, and reducing repetitive strain.

Drivers

Individuals who spend significant time driving, such as delivery personnel, sales representatives, and transportation workers, may experience discomfort related to prolonged sitting, vehicle setup, and repetitive movements.

Retail and Service Workers

Cashiers, hairstylists, warehouse staff, and hospitality workers often spend hours standing, reaching, walking, or performing repetitive motions that can contribute to fatigue and discomfort.

Remote and Home-Based Workers

Kitchen tables, couches, and makeshift workstations became common for many people. A simple assessment can identify improvements that help create a more comfortable and efficient workspace.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

One of the biggest misconceptions about ergonomics is that it requires expensive equipment.

In reality, recommendations are often simple and practical:

• Adjusting chair or desk height

• Repositioning monitors

• Improving lighting

• Modifying workflow

• Adjusting lifting strategies

• Taking appropriate movement breaks

• Using supportive equipment when necessary

The goal isn't to create a "perfect posture." Instead, it's to help your body work more efficiently throughout the day, reduce unnecessary strain, and support long-term comfort and productivity.

How an Ergonomic Assessment Can Help

An ergonomic assessment looks at how you interact with your workspace, tools, equipment, and daily tasks. By identifying risk factors early, small adjustments may help reduce discomfort, improve efficiency, and support overall workplace wellness.

Whether you work in an office, a clinic, a vehicle, a warehouse, or out in the field, your work environment should support you, not work against you.

The Navisess team can help. Contact our team to get started. Navisess I Ergonomics I Injury Prevention I Return to Work

References:

American Optometric Association;

Canadian Association of Optometrists.