Computer Eye Strain

There was this guy in my class whose first love was the computer. When he perched in front of it, you could never tell where the computer ended and he began. No, seriously. He sat and stared at the computer screen, fingers working the keyboard. Did he ever blink even, I have no idea. The probability of getting him to leave his seat before 5 hours had passed was impossible. What happens to people like these? Computer eye strain! And I'm quite sure each of us knows at least one person who suffers from eye strain from computer screen. So how to reduce eye strain from computers and deter any eye problems from happening? Read the following article to understand the symptoms and relief methods of computer eye strain.

Computer Eye Strain Symptoms

This condition is also known as Computer Visual Stress Syndrome or Computer Visual Syndrome. There are certain common symptoms of eye strain. These signs will clearly indicate the phenomenon of eyes tired from computer:

• Dry eyes
• Itching in eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurring of vision
• Headaches
• Tired eyes
• Burning of eyes
• Double vision
• Problems in focusing on other objects when one looks away from the computer screen.
• Perceiving color in different ways.
• Frequent changes in eye number.
• Stiff neck
• Back ache
• Shoulder pain
• Stiff fingers and wrist
• Muscle spasms in areas surrounding the eyes.
• Heaviness or drooping of eyelids

Computer Eye Strain Relief

Computers aren't exiting our life any sooner and therefore the only way of dealing with this condition is to prevent computer eye strain. This can be done by employing certain methods. Here are some of the eye strain relief methods.

Work Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to the physical and environmental conditions that affect your senses and therefore your work. Ergonomics in the workplace is given importance because it helps to create a perfect environment, that reduces stress and therefore provides a lucrative condition to work in. To reduce computer eye strain, make sure you keep these points in mind:

• The lighting in the room should not be overly bright and neither should it be dull.
• There should be no windows in front or right behind the computer screen, if there are, they should always be covered with blinds.
• Ideally all windows should be at a right angle to the computer.
• The computer screen should be below your eye level.
• Have a protective cover for your screen that filters the light and reduces brightness.
• Screen savers and wall papers should always be in pastel shades of gray and the like. Bright colors harm the vision.
• Computer brightness should be adjusted to a minimum to prevent computer eye strain.
• The screen should be at least 30 inches away from you. Any closer and it's straining your eyes.
• Use eye lubricants or eye drops prevent dry eyes. Consult your doctor for a suitable brand.

Basic Exercises
There are certain basic exercises that can be done in order to prevent eye strain and provide relief to tired eyes:

• Remember to blink your eyes constantly when in front of the screen.
• Take a break every hour and splash water on your face.
• Do simple palming exercises (place the palm of your hands over your eyes and hold for 10-15 minutes.)
• Shut your eyes tightly and then open them. Repeat this 15-20 times.
• Roll your eyes in the clock wise and anti clockwise direction.
• Another eye exercise to improve vision is to draw a square with your fingers in the air and let your eyes follow the finger around.
• Alternate between using hot and cold water towels on both eyes for 30 seconds each. This will provide relief instantly.

Computer Eye Strain Glasses
There are several computer reading glasses that have been developed to protect the eyes from the harmful rays that the screen emits. This could be one of the more convenient ways by which you could prevent computer eye strain. But it is important to note that these should be used along with all the factors mentioned above and not in isolation.

Proper eye care becomes essential to prevent computer eye strain. It is a serious issue that should not be neglected because it can lead to other, more serious problems. Make sure that you keep these pointers in mind and take good care of your eyes.