Optimizing Your Workspace for Eye Health: The Complete Guide
A detailed guide to setting up your workspace to minimize eye strain, including monitor positioning, lighting considerations, and ergonomic best practices.
Evidence-Based Eye Health Education
Optimizing your workspace to support eye health and reduce strain during computer work.
Proper workplace ergonomics is essential for maintaining eye health during extended computer use. This page provides evidence-based guidance on setting up your workspace to minimize eye strain and maximize visual comfort.
Position your monitor 20-24 inches from your eyes, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. For bifocal wearers, the monitor may need to be lower to avoid neck strain.
Ensure ambient lighting is about half as bright as typically found in offices. Eliminate glare by positioning your monitor perpendicular to windows and using an anti-glare screen if necessary.
Adjust your screen brightness to match your surroundings, increase text size and contrast as needed, and consider using night mode or blue light filters, especially in the evening.
Position reference materials at the same distance as your screen, using a document holder beside the monitor to minimize head movement and refocusing.
"Proper ergonomics isn't just about comfort—it's about creating conditions that minimize visual stress during extended computer work. Small adjustments to your workspace can significantly reduce eye strain and improve productivity."
— Dr. Raj Patel, OD, Ergonomics Specialist