COMPUTER EYE STRAIN

Some of the specialists categorize these symptoms under the term 'Computer Eyestrain'. According to them the computer eyestrain is not a clinical disease. Rather it is a reaction to a computer-centered office environment. Making simple adjustments to your workplace usually can eliminate it.

Solutions

• Place your computer in such a way that the screen sits slightly below your eye level.
• The computer screen should be at the distance of 20 to 26 inches from your eyes.
• Adjust the lighting around the computer to minimize glare and reflections. You can also place a non-glare filter on the computer monitor to reduce glare.
• Time to time give your eyes a break by frequently standing up to stretch.
• If possible alternate computer activities with other tasks.
• Use an adjustable copyholder that holds documents at the same level as the computer screen. This will eliminate the need to swing around (to view documents) and help reduce back and shoulder strain.
• Time to time use artificial tears to moisten dry eyes.
• Immediately consult an eye specialist if the symptoms persist.
• Have regular eye check ups, especially if you work with computer or video screens.

Eye Strain And Computer Use

Some of the most common symptoms of eyestrain are mentioned below. These could be attributed to prolonged computer screen viewing. However, everyone could have different experience with these symptoms. The common symptoms include:

• Red, watery, irritated eyes
• Tired, aching or heavy eyelids
• Problems with focusing
• Muscle spasms of the eye or eye lid
• Headache
• Backache

Relief From Eye Strain

The symptoms of eyestrain may resemble any other eye condition therefore it is advised to consult a physician for proper diagnosis. Still you can have relief from the eyestrain in the following ways

• By resting the eyes
• Changing the work environment
• Wearing the proper glasses

How To Avoid Eyestrain

• Position the top of the VDT screen at or slightly below the eye level.
• Place all the reference materials as close to the screen as possible. This will minimize head and eye movements and focusing changes.
• While working minimize lighting reflections and glare.
• Keep the VDT screen clean and dust-free.
• Schedule periodic rest breaks to avoid eye fatigue.
• Try to keep the eyes lubricated (by blinking) to prevent them from drying out.
• Keep the VDT screen in proper focus.

You should consult your ophthalmologist as may be you are one of those individuals who normally do not need glasses but may need corrective lenses for doing the computer work.

Eyestrain occurs with the over-use of eye muscles, which usually happens when you work on computers. Normally any muscle held in one position for too long strains. So when you concentrate on activities such as reading, working at the computer or watching television for a long time then your inner eye muscles tighten up and cause the eyes to get irritated, dry and uncomfortable. You should take a 5-minute break, once or twice an hour, from whatever you are doing. Avoid working the same thing for longer durations. This would give your eyes a chance to relax and refocus.