We all use computers, and some of us more than others. For some, it’s their job and they spend at least 8 hours in front of a monitor. But, continued PC use can damage your eyesight if you don’t take precautions against computer eyestrain.
Eyestrain is the most common complaint. Symptoms can include: red, watery or irritated eyes; tired achy, or heavy feeling eyelids; trouble focusing; eye muscle spasms; and headache. These symptoms can often be relieved by changing the work environment, resting the eyes or wearing the proper glasses. We will talk about each one of these individually.
Changing the work environment
Position the monitor slightly farther away from you than you normally hold your reading material. A viewing distance of between 20 and 28 inches is good. Make sure the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. Put all material you are working with as close to the screen as possible and try to use a device that keeps it upright. This minimizes the need for your eyes to constantly focus and adjust.
Try to minimize light reflection and glare. You may need to move your desk so that bright lights are not in your field of vision. You can also change light bulbs to a lower wattage and get an anti-glare screen for over your monitor. Remember when your mother told you not to read in the dark or you would ruin your eyes.
She was right. She meant it would prevent eyestrain… Don’t use your computer in the dark either. The contrast between the light from the computer screen and the background light will cause computer eye strain.
You can also adjust the contrast controls to be more pleasing to the eyes. Another thing to consider is using larger text. I promise no one will think you’re getting old.
Rest Those Baby Blues… Or Greens… Or Browns
Take frequent breaks. If you’re in the workplace, just looking away for a few minutes will do. If you’re at home, schedule regular breaks and make sure you take them. Continued viewing of the screen will lead to eye fatigue and that gritty feeling.
Keep your eyes lubricated by blinking frequently. Most of us don’t do this when we’re focused on what we’re doing. How can you remember to blink? Put a sticky note at the top of your screen with REMEMBER TO BLINK written on it. If that doesn’t work or is too distracting, pretend your monitor is a person of the opposite sex and wink at it every so often… use both eyes though.
Wearing The Proper Glasses
If you wear glasses, you may need to change lenses when using the computer. Some people don’t normally wear corrective lenses but may need them for computer work. If that’s the case, consider natural vision improvement, like Unleash Your Vision, so you don’t have to wear glasses at all, and to prevent macular degeneration and eye problems.
Make sure you aren’t straining your eyes by wearing the wrong lenses. Wearing the wrong lenses will cause even greater computer eye strain, and this eyestrain will cause further eye damage.
If you work long hours with computers, you should definitely consider natural vision improvement and learn proper eye relaxation techinques.
Healthy Eyes Are The Best Eyes
Keeping your eyes healthy should be as important as keeping your heart healthy. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables that are high in beta carotene. Most yellow and orange vegetables fit into this category. Also, foods rich in lutein are beneficial to your eye health. These include leafy greens, corn and red peppers. So, you see, a healthy diet does more than nourish your body, it nourishes your eyes as well.
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