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Hearing and Eyesight Screening

Protecting Your Senses: Hearing and Eye Care

Working in front of a screen all day is a fact of modern office life. As you approach 40, it's important to be proactive about eye and ear care because of the increased impact of prolonged screen time and constant noise in the office. Fortunately, Australia offers robust support for regular eye and hearing assessments.


The 20-20-20 Rule: Worthwhile, especially as part of a break routine

The 20-20-20 rule is a simple visual hygiene habit: for every 20 minutes spent staring at a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. While traditional advice supports it to help relax eye muscles and reduce digital eye strain symptoms, the latest clinical perspective from Australia shows that while this rule is helpful for comfort, longer, sustained breaks—five minutes every hour—may be even more beneficial for long-term ocular health and myopia prevention. Including outdoor time is especially protective against developing short-sightedness in midlife.


Keep your eyes hydrated: Lubricating eye drops

Extended screen time dramatically reduces your blink rate, leaving eyes more prone to dryness, irritation, and blurry vision. Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) are widely recommended by Australian optometrists for computer users, providing fast, effective relief by supplementing moisture, soothing the ocular surface, and helping maintain clear vision. Recent advancements mean preservative-free drops with sodium hyaluronate (such as Hylo Forte, Optive Fusion, or Systane Balance) last longer and are better tolerated with frequent use. Keep a bottle on your desk and use as needed; this simple step can significantly improve all-day comfort.


Routine eye and hearing exams: Why they matter

After 40, the risk of presbyopia, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and incremental hearing loss rises notably. Regular professional checks—at least every two years—are crucial for early detection and optimal management. In Australia, Medicare covers standard eye exams, allowing you to access regular care at no personal cost. Hearing tests are also accessible and free from providers like Audika, who can assess your baseline and monitor for subtle changes over time.


Further strategies to improving eye health

  • Optimise Lighting & Screen Position: Adjust your workspace to reduce glare and keep monitors at eye level.

  • Eat for Eye Health: A diet rich in omega-3s (found in oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), leafy greens, and colourful vegetables provides essential nutrients for eye surface and retinal function.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink sufficient water to help maintain tear production.

  • Blink Consciously: Set gentle reminders to blink fully—especially while working on screens.

  • Consider Blue Light Filters: Use blue-light blocking lenses or enable ‘night mode’ on devices, which may help with visual comfort though evidence of long-term benefit is mixed.

  • Take Extended Breaks: Include brief walks, outdoor time, and occasional work away from screens[see context].


Don’t ignore the early signs

If you notice persistent dry, irritated, or red eyes, or trouble following conversations, arrange a prompt check-up—early intervention prevents larger issues down the track.


Summary

For midlife office workers, integrated sensory health means combining daily habits (20-20-20, lubricating drops, breaks, diet) with professional checkups. Remember: Medicare covers eye testing, and companies like Audika offer free hearing assessments. Australia’s system makes it easy—use it for your lifelong sensory well-being.


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"So, if you're in the HR team and would like to start a conversation about the possibility of onsite hearing and eyesight exams for employees, please feel free to reach out." - Dujon

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