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Millenials, Modern Workplace and Screens

millenials, workplace

Technology has dramatically defined what the modern workplace looks like. Even more so after 2020’s rapid shift to remote working models because of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have moved beyond the confines of the traditional office space, face-to-face interactions has given way to video conferencing and digital interactions through collaboration tools.

According To IT Nation, comprising those born between 1980 and the mid-1990s, millennials are not only the largest demographic in the multi-generational workforce, they are also the first to grow up surrounded by digital technology—smartphones, broadband services, and social media. As a result, millennials are driving the digital transformation of the workplace: a revolution fueled largely by the demand for workplace technology that mirrors the mobility of their personal lives and the simplicity of consumer technology.

In this article, we will be looking at how excessive screen time in the modern work space has resulted to an increase in eye strain and eye related disorders amongst Millennials.

Is excessive Screen time affecting millennials with the much newer digitized workspace?

The pandemic led to the shutdown of the workplace resulting to accelerated digital migration. This drastically increased screen time in the workforce. Consequences of prolonged screen time are inevitable amongst millennials.

Around 70 percent of millennials experience eye strain, and this is mainly the result of the way they live their daily lives. Technology is an integral part of work, school, and even free time. This is a problem for vision, as a continuously fixed focus on a phone, tablet, or computer screen, impacting the ability to focus. Why do more people need glasses now? – Malonie Shamie Vision Institute.

Many do not take much consideration on the common eye disorders and diseases brought about by excessive screen time. The eyes get easily affected and usually by just small things that we don’t pay attention to. Ask yourself; How long your screen time is at work? How much time are you on your phone at home? 

Types of eye problems that might result from excessive screen time

Most of the common eye issues or diseases include:

· Dry eyes – this condition is caused by blinking less when using screens for a long time.

· Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome – this is caused by using screens such as phones, computers, television and other digital devices for a long period. The discomfort increases with the amount of digital screen time.

· Myopia – in this condition you are able to see things that are near you but far things cannot be seen or are blurry.

· Hyperopia – in this condition you are able to see things from a far distance but unable to see the ones that are near you.

· Astigmatism – with this condition, your general vision is obscured

· Amblyopia – for this condition, one eye does not focus as clearly as the other one. Also known as lazy eye

· Color blindness – this is the inability to see colors as other people see them.

· Age-Related Macular Degeneration – this is a disease that blurs the central vision usually occurs as one ages.

Is there a solution to all these or are we doomed? 

The answer is yes, there are solutions or rather modes of treatment and ways to help solves the various eye problems.

While you are at it here’s one of our great reads about the crazy social interactions and the work place dynamnics.

One is supposed to monitor their screen time and be strict about it when they are cutting it down.

These solutions are:

· Visiting a doctor regularly. In this you will be able to keep track of your eye progress and also get advice on what prescription works best if you need lenses.

· Wear contacts or glasses when necessary. Nowadays, there are all kinds of eye wear that will help solve ones eye problems and opticians are there to guide on what to use for what purpose.

· Blinking of the eyes. Usually when you are so focused on doing something that is intense remember to blink as frequently as you can. This helps moisten the eyes and thus getting rid of dry eyes.

· Adjust your screen light to suite your activity. Most times we use a lot of laptop, phone or television contrast and yet we don’t need all of it.

· Taking of breaks between activities, will give your eyes time to adjust to something else and feel more relaxed. There is a task that for every two hours you have been on screen take at least 15 minutes to rest. Also for every 20 minutes of screen time, look into the distance for 20 seconds to that the eyes can refocus.

· Chair comfort is one important thing that most people tend to ignore. While on a computer or laptop, avoid slouching as you work. Ensure you maintain an upright sitting position, have your feet flat on ground and the wrists should not touch the keyboard as you are typing.

Technology keeps on growing day by day and in as much as we want to marvel at the beautiful inventions and innovations, we should always remember to take care of our eyes. Start small by visiting the optician, reducing your screen time slowly by slowly and then the rest will just fall into place without much struggle.

I’ll finish off with this, what do you call a dinosaur with no eyes?

A “do-you-think-he-saurus”.

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Millenials, Modern Workplace and Screens