Freelancing and entrepreneurship often come with the perk of working from home. And while there are plenty of advantages to this arrangement, there are some challenges—especially regarding our health.

If you work from home, you’re probably sitting in front of a computer for most of the day. It can lead to eye strain, reduced vision, neck and shoulder pain and other physical problems.

Eye strain is one of the most common problems associated with working from home. We spend long hours staring at computer screens and other digital devices.

To become a successful freelancer or entrepreneur, you need to be able to work long hours in front of a computer screen.

Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of eye strain.

Here some ways to protect your eyes while working from home:

Reduced Computer Screen Time

When you spend hours in front of a computer screen, your eyes may feel tired and strained. It is because looking at a computer screen for an extended period can cause:

• Eye Strain. This is the most common problem—your eyes get tired from working too hard. You may experience headaches, blurred vision, dry eye, or a burning sensation.

• Digital Eye Strain. This is a newer phenomenon—caused by the blue light emitted from digital devices. Blue light is more harmful to our eyes than other types of light, and it can cause eyestrain, headaches and fatigue.

• Computer Vision Syndrome. This condition is caused by prolonged computer use and screen time. It can lead to headaches, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain.

• Refractive Errors. If you already have refractive errors—nearsightedness, astigmatism, etc.—they can be made worse by prolonged computer use.

• Increased Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The more time you spend in front of a computer screen, the greater your risk of developing AMD, which is the leading cause of blindness.

Take Preventive Measures to Protect Your Eyes

One of the best ways to protect your eyes from the strains of computer use is to take preventive measures. There are several things you can do to help reduce the amount of strain on your eyes:

• Adjust your screen brightness and contrast. The brightness of your screen should be set at a level that is comfortable for you, and you should adjust the contrast so that the text is easy to read.

• Use a computer eyeglass lens. If you have refractive errors, using a computer eyeglass lens can help reduce the strain on your eyes.

• Take breaks every 20 minutes. Get up and walk around for a few minutes, or close your eyes and relax for a few minutes. It will help refresh your eyes and reduce the risk of eye strain.

• Use anti-glare screens or filters. These can help reduce glare on your screen, making it easier to see.

• Wear Blue light-blocking Glasses. Blue light glasses will help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes and other problems. Wearing sunglasses outdoors can also help protect your eye’s tear film from dirt, dust and other irritants.

Adjust Your Workstation and Environment

If you work from home, it’s important to create a workspace that is both comfortable and productive. Here are a few tips on adjusting your workstation and environment to make the most of your at-home office.

• Make sure your chair is comfortable. You should be able to adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to the ground. The chair should also support your back and armrests to support your arms comfortably.

• Create a good lighting situation. You should have enough light in the room to see what you’re working on, but not so much that it causes glare on your screen. If possible, try to avoid having bright overhead lights in your work area.

• Get organized. Having a well-organized workspace can help reduce eye strain and fatigue. Make sure you have everything you need within easy reach and that your desk is clear of clutter.

• Use Eye-protection Devices. For freelancers and entrepreneurs who work from home, computer use is an integral part of the job. But all that time spent staring at a screen can take a toll on your eyes. To help protect your eyes from the harmful effects of computer use, it’s important to use eye-protection devices. Several eye-protection devices are available, including computer glasses, anti-glare screens and filters. Talk to your eye doctor about which device would be best for you.

Blink Often

One of the best ways to protect your eyes from the strains of computer use is to blink often. It helps keep your eyes moist and reduces the risk of eye fatigue.

Use Artificial Tears While Working From Home

Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or irritated while working. It will help keep your eyes lubricated and reduce the risk of eye strain.

Drink Plenty of Water Throughout The Day

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it’s also crucial for eye health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help keep your eyes healthy and reduce the risk of dry eyes and other problems.

Get Regular Eye Exams

If you work from home, it’s important to get regular eye exams. It will help ensure that your eyes are healthy and that any problems are caught early. Talk to your eye doctor about how often you should have an exam.

Working from home benefits freelancers and entrepreneurs, but protecting your eyes from the strains of computer use is important. Following the tips above can help keep your eyes healthy and reduce visual fatigue.