Best Eye Rest Practices While on the Road
As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time on the road. Long hours of driving and staring at the road can be taxing on your eyes, leading to fatigue and strain. Eye strain can be dangerous, and it is vital to take regular breaks and rest your eyes to avoid accidents. In this blog post, we will discuss the best eye rest practices while on the road, so you can keep your eyes in top condition and stay alert on your journey.
Take breaks regularly
Driving for extended periods without a break can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Taking regular breaks allows you to stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and recharge your body. Experts recommend taking a break every two hours or so. During your breaks, step out of your truck, take a walk, close your eyes, or perform some eye exercises to relax your eye muscles.
Maintain proper lighting
Proper lighting is essential to reduce eye strain while driving. Ensure that your truck’s dashboard has optimal lighting so that you don’t have to strain your eyes to read the gauges. Avoid driving in extremely bright or low-lit areas as they put unnecessary strain on your eyes. Additionally, consider wearing polarized sunglasses that protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays when driving in bright sunlight or glare.
Blink frequently
Blinking frequently helps to keep the eyes moist, reducing eye strain and dryness. When you focus on an object, you tend to blink less. Consequently, the tear film in your eyes evaporates at a faster rate, causing dryness and irritation. Make an effort to blink naturally every few seconds to keep your eyes moist and prevent fatigue.
Use the 20-20-20 rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a popular technique that helps to rest your eyes regularly. As the name suggests, every 20 minutes, look away from the road at a point about 20 feet ahead of you for 20 seconds. This technique helps to reduce eye strain and fatigue by focusing on an object at a distance and relaxing your eye muscles.
Limit screen time
Limit your screen time before and after driving to prevent eye strain. Blue light emitted from your phone, computer, or tablet screens can affect your eyes, leading to fatigue, headaches, and even sleep problems. Try to limit your screen time, especially before going to bed, to give your eyes a chance to rest and recover.
Conclusion
Taking care of your eyes while driving is crucial to ensure your safety and that of other road users. By following the above tips, you can maintain healthy eyes, reduce eye strain, and stay alert while on the road. Remember, if you experience any persistent eye problems, see an eye doctor immediately. Stay safe, and happy driving!