If you’re someone who happens to see blogging as nothing more than a casual pastime, here are some statistics that just might change your mind. There are currently over 70 WordPress blogs throughout the world, 39 million international Tumblr blogs, and 4 out of every 5 people who use the internet visit a social media site or blog on a consistent basis.

That said, there are definitely a lot of people who rely on blogs for their daily scoop, news and research. This means that there are also a lot of bloggers who are relied upon to provide this kind of information.

This is why an article like this is so vital because let’s face it: If the people doing the blogging start having trouble with their eyes, do you see the domino effect that it will have on us all?

So, whether you are a blogger or you know someone who is, make sure to read this and pass the word along. The more proactive a blogger is about protecting their eyes, the less strain they will have and the more content they will be able to produce for the benefit of everyone.

Be light sensitive. One of the best ways to prevent your eyes from straining is to write in the right amount of light. If you’re writing in the day to natural light, try and avoid sitting in a space where there will be a glare on your monitor from the window. If you’re writing at night, dim lamp lighting will not do. There needs to be enough light to where there is not a shadow cast over the screen and you don’t feel like you’re straining to see what you’re doing.

Take breaks. Some people can sit in front of a television monitor for hours on end, while others can do the same when it comes to sitting in front of a computer screen. Neither one is a healthy practice. So that your eyes can adjust to the “sightings” around it, make sure to take breaks. It’s pretty customary to give your eyes a five-minute break for every 30 minutes you’re in front of your computer. And by a break, that means getting up and looking at something else.

Have good posture. It can be really tempting to get used to writing in just about any kind of position, but it’s not the healthiest for your eyes or your back. Make sure to be seated in a way where your head and neck are not straining to look at the screen and make sure that the monitor is not tilted at an angle that causes your eyes to have to continually readjust (for instance, writing while on your back with the laptop being supported by your knees). Continual movements, no matter how minor, make the eyes work overtime.

Adjust your monitor. Based on the time of day, how long we’ve been in front of our computer, and the lighting that is around us, sometimes there’s a need to adjust the brightness of the monitor. If you feel like you’re squinting as you’re typing, that is a dead giveaway that you might want to change your computer monitor’s lighting levels. Also, if the font that you’re using is too small or not the right “type” for you, feel free to change those as well.

Have your eyes checked regularly. Everyone should have their eyes checked during their annual physical; however, if you blog for a living, this should be even more of a priority. Be honest with your physician if you’re having any complications and if s/he recommends that you get some eyeglasses or contact lenses, that’s OK. GetLenses is a great resource to help you through that transition. Remember, as a blogger, you need to have keen eyesight. Let the professionals help you in figuring out what will keep you working, typing and_ visualizing_ at your personal best.