Eye Health: Tips to Fight Computer Eye Strain

Some people spend most of their time in front of computers and laptops, this can cause red eyes, tired eyes, blurred vision and eye twitching which is technically referred to as “Computer Vision Syndrome”. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the term used to describe the various symptoms that one experiences due to protracted use of computer.

Symptoms may include strain or asthenopia, dryness, grittiness, watering, pain, redness in the eyes, inability to focus, headaches etc, which may in turn lead to decreased productivity and absence from work.

According to National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety, CVS is seen in 90 percent of people who spend more than 3 hours per day at the system.

So if you suffer from any of the above mentioned afflictions, try these simple tips by Health Me Up to fight computer eye strain.

Comprehensive eye examination

Comprehensive annual visual assessment with an eye care professional is a must for all those who spend long working hours at the computer. You will be asked to provide information about your working ambience and number of average hours that you spend at the computer.

Computer eye wear

Glasses depending on your refractive status will be generally prescribed, especially for intermediate vision with an anti-reflective coating to minimize the glare emanating from your computer screen. People who already use bifocals may be advised progressive glasses for better intermediate vision.

Voluntary blinking

People tend to involuntarily blink less due to constant staring at the screen leading to evaporation of tears, which causes dryness in the eyes. Training your eyes to voluntarily blink while at work helps in natural production and spread of tear film and minimize dryness.

Artificial tears or lubricants are sometimes prescribed for dryness by eye care professionals.

Frequent breaks

Taking frequent breaks while at work helps in reducing the risk of fatigue caused by computer vision syndrome. Every half hour that one spends at the system, a 30 sec break is all that is required.

Eye exercises

Constant staring at the display screen puts a strain on the muscles of the eye. Exercising the eye will help avoid such muscle fatigue. These include looking up and down, sideways about 10 times each, looking at the farthest object that you are able to visualize from your seat for 10 secs and gazing at your finger placed 30 cm from your eyes for another 10 secs. This helps in your focusing ability at variable distances.

Work ambience

Lighting – Avoid working in an excessively brightly lit room. Eliminate exterior light and place the source of light to the side of your display unit

Work station – Use ergonomic furniture to place the display unit at 25-30cm with the center of the screen adjusted 10-15 degrees below the eyes for comfortable viewing.

Positioning of the work station and chair to proper height helps in correct positioning of the head and neck and also reduces eye strain.

Visual display unit

Modifying the display settings helps reduce the risk of eye strain and muscular fatigue. These adjustments include:

Color temperature – adjusting it to moderate to higher wavelength of visible light is more comforting to the eyes.

Glare – Use of anti-glare screen on monitors cuts away unwanted reflections from entering your eyes.

Source: healthmeup.com

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