Sharpen the Saw

I do not want to start this post with complaining but I must!  Sorry!  My computer-based job has been causing tremendous eye strain – even with my 3-screen, NASA-like display set-up.  Mayoclinic.org says, “Eyestrain is a common condition that occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as while driving long distances or staring at computer screens and other digital devices.  Eyestrain can be annoying.”  Annoying?  Check!  Mayo goes on, “Eye strain can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease.    (Whew!)  Examples include prolonged screen time, prolonged driving, bad eyeglasses prescriptions, extreme fatigue, or lack of sleep.”  Prolonged screen time – YES!

I confess – this has been a 6-month journey, but I am glad to report my finding.  YES – prolonged screen time defines my job, but that is not the primary, underlying reason, the root-cause of my eye strain.   You curious?  You have a diagnosis?  Ok Sherlock –what is my eye strain’s root cause?

My findings – a combination of monitor height and trifocal glasses.

Ergotron.com’s page on ergonomics addresses monitor height:  Adjust the monitor height so that the top of the screen is at—or slightly below—eye level. Your eyes should look slightly downward when viewing the middle of the screen.  Bolding is mine.   My situation – eye level is at about 1/3 down on the monitor.  RESULT – if I raise my monitors about 6”, I will be at Ergotron’s optimum. 

Ok – but why would monitor height contribute to eye strain?  For me – its coupled with my trifocals.  Per nvision.com: Trifocal glasses are a type of eyewear that correct for three different ranges of vision on one lens. From top to bottom, trifocal lenses correct for distance, intermediate, and up-close vision problems. AHA! Without the monitor at the right height, I am looking at the monitor through the top of my lenses – that ARE correcting for distance and NOT the intermediate distance needed for monitors, and thus, the eye strain!  Solution - Simple fix with game changing effects!  I purchased a $10 3 foot long 6 inch high desk shelf to hold my 2 monitors.

The moral of the story?  Sharpen the Saw.  Work smarter not harder. 

Stephen Covey, in The7 Habits of Highly Effective People, asks you to suppose you were to come upon someone in the woods working feverishly to saw down a tree.

“What are you doing?” you ask.
“Can’t you see?” comes the impatient reply. “I’m sawing down this tree.”
“You look exhausted!” you exclaim. “How long have you been at it?”
“Over five hours,” he returns, “and I’m beat! This is hard work.”
“Well, why don’t you take a break for a few minutes and sharpen that saw?” you inquire. “I’m sure it would go a lot faster.”
“I’m too busy sawing!”

“We must never become too busy sawing to take time to sharpen the saw.” – Dr. Stephen R. Covey

Covey goes on:  Habit 7 is about taking time to sharpen the saw. It surrounds the other habits on the Seven Habits paradigm because it is the habit that makes all the others possible. It’s renewing the four dimensions of your nature: physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional.

My question for you:  Are there issues in your life that can be improved with a simple fix?  Any areas that would benefit from you sharpening the saw?