Computer Eye Strain

Computer eye strain is one of the most common problems associated with at-work issues and it is easy to understand why. Consider this: your eyes are staring at a computer screen for 8 hours a day every day. Although this is an unconscious effort, it is actually working the muscles that are inside the eyes. If your arms were lifting heavy material 8 hours a day, they would most certainly get tired; furthermore, if your legs were running a marathon for 8 hours a day, every day, there is no doubt that they would begin to feel the burn. When put this way, there is no wonder that your eyes have trouble focusing for a long period of time.

Computer Eye Strain Causes

Using a computer screen involves serious concentration on something that is usually less than sixty centimeters away. Focusing on an object this close is the main cause for eye strain. However, the glare from the monitor, the lighting in the room and the ergonomics of your office desk can also play a major role in the causes of eye strain. These factors combined with 40 hour work weeks (or more), and you have a recipe for monitor eye strain disaster.

The Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain

The most common symptom of computer eye strain are tired and sore eyes followed by headaches, a stiff neck and trouble focusing. Your eyes may become dry and itchy, or watery and blurred. In some instances you may have difficulty maintaining focus on the screen due to double vision or the monitor lights may play tricks with your eyes, causing you to see lines and shapes that are not there.

How to Avoid Eye Strain from Computers

Unfortunately, if you work in an office, you most likely need your computer to perform your daily tasks and make a living. However, with a few lighting, relaxation and ergonomically friendly alterations to your office, you may be able to reduce eye strain. Computers are a part of our lives, but there are steps to prevent negative effects from working at them all day.

First of all, sit so the top of the monitor should be level with your eyes, so you look slightly downwards at the middle of the screen. Make sure you position both your keyboard and your monitor in a comfortable position for you. If you are suffering eye strain, think about moving your monitor back a few centimeters.

Choose lighting for your screen that is no more than three or four times brighter than the rooms lighting and use a high degree of contrast between the characters on the screen and the background. Make sure you minimize the reflect glare on the screen from windows or bright lights.

And, finally, make sure that you give your eyes time to rest and relax. If you can, try to do work-related activities that do not involve the screen for at least five minutes an hour. This could include making a phone call, meeting with a colleague or writing a to-do list. If you are strapped to your computer and can’t get away, try to focus on a long distance object for 15 seconds every 15 minutes which will help your eyes to readjust and relax.