5 Tips to Combat Computer Eye Strain

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If you spend a lot of time on the computer, don?t disregard these possible indicators of eye strain: burning and watering eyes; blurred or double vision; visual fatigue; headaches; and the need to change your eyeglass prescription frequently.

Eye strain is becoming increasingly common among computer users. Why? Because there is a basic problem with the ?prolonged? viewing of computer monitors and other display screens. The prevalence of this condition has even necessitated a term called Computer Vision Syndrome (or C.V.S.). As defined by the American Optometric Association, C.V.S. is ?the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use. . . In most cases, symptoms occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform the task.?

Causes of Computer Eye Strain

In many cases, visual fatigue or eye strain result from poor screen contrast or glare from strong light sources (e.g., sunlight or high intensity lamps), reflecting off the display screen.

Another cause of eye strain has to do with the necessity of subtle but continual re-focusing. For instance, when one has to regularly switch the gaze between a screen and a document holder that is set a little farther away. Additionally, imperceptible flickers in screen characters and images are also culprits in the dynamics of constant re-focusing.

And oddly enough, a decrease in your blink rate has a lot to do with computer eye strain. It is said that the natural rate of blinks per minute should be about 22. However, when using the computer, the average person blinks approximately 4 times per minute. What a difference. The lower blink rate causes eye moisture to evaporate, resulting in ?dry eye.? Dry eye sensations include: burning, itching, blurring and heavy eyelids.

Five Ways to Combat Eye Strain While Using the Computer

Make Adjustments. Adjust your seating and the screen height so that while you are comfortably seated, your eyes are in line with the top of the monitor. You also need to re-position your monitor in order to avoid glare from windows or other light sources. Focusing on the monitor for a long time with full brightness can cause eye strain, so use the controls on your monitor to adjust the contrast and brightness to a comfortable level.

Place Your Reference Documents Strategically. If you use a document holder, try to position it as close to the computer screen as possible so that the reference materials and your screen are at the same distance from your eyes.

Repair or Replace the Monitor. Consider having your computer monitor repaired or replaced if it flickers or has insufficient clarity.

Take an ?Eye Break.? You should stop periodically and exercise your eyes by looking away from the monitor and focusing on something in the distance. You can also rest your eyes by covering them with the palms of your hands for about 15 seconds at a time.

Blink! Make an effort to become more conscious of your blink rate. No, you don?t have to sit there and count your blinks, just be aware to blink regularly. And try to keep the air around you moist. Having lots of live house plants around or a room humidifier should do the trick.

While there is no evidence yet that prolonged computer use results in permanent eye damage, its just plain commonsense to avoid the discomforts and symptoms of eye strain and do all you can to preserve your precious eyesight.