Sore Eyes
10 Steps for Relief from Sore Eyes
The computer has become a most common machine I the office, and so has the eye problems that are associated with its use. It is therefore no wonder that according to studies, eye strain and other visual symptoms occur in a staggering 50 to 90 percent of computer workers.
The resultant problems can are physical fatigue, decreased productivity and increased numbers of work errors.
These 10 steps will help any person who works with a computer in helping them reduce computer eye strain and the other common symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS):
1. Get a comprehensive eye exam.
This is the most foolproof way to prevent or treat computer vision problems. One should have routine and comprehensive eye examinations.
2. Use proper lighting.
If you are exposed to excessive bright light either from outdoor sunlight coming in through a window or from harsh interior lighting, you are more likely to have Eye strain. It is therefore important that you work in a room with ambient lighting that is about half that found in most offices.
It is therefore important that you eliminate exterior light by closing drapes, shades or blinds. Reduce interior lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes. If possible, position your monitor so that windows are to the side of it, instead of in front or back.
3. Minimize glare.
Some f the other things that cause eye strain is glare on walls and finished surfaces, as well as reflections on your computer screen. The need to consider installing an anti-glare screen on your monitor and, if possible, paint bright white walls a darker color with a matte finish.
Another thing that will help is if you reduce outside light. Some of the things that you can consider is for example using a computer hood or even wear glasses, purchase lenses with anti-reflective (AR) coating. AR coating reduces glare by minimizing the amount of light reflecting off the front and back surfaces of your eyeglass lenses.
4. Upgrade your display.
Since LCD screens are easier on the eyes and usually have an anti-reflective surface, you should consider replacing the tube screens with such. “flicker” of images on the screen, which is a major cause of computer eye strain is more evident in the Old-fashioned CRT screens. This flicker, although imperceptible, may contribute to eye strain and fatigue during computer work.
Flicker is not an issue with LCD screens, since the brightness of pixels on the display is controlled by a “backlight” that typically operates at 200 Hz. If you see a lower refresh rate (e.g. 60 Hz) noted on an LCD screen, don’t worry — this refers to how often a new image is received from the video card, not how often the pixel brightness of the display is updated, and this function typically is not associated with eye strain.
5. Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen.
Adjust the display settings on your computer so the brightness of the screen is as close to as your work environment. You can test this by looking at the white background. If it looks like a light source, it’s too bright. If it seems dull and gray, it may be too dark.
6. Blink more often.
What’s important with Blinking when working with a computer is that it wets your and thus prevents eyes to prevent dryness and irritation. People blink less frequently when working with a computer. When you take long spells without blinking, the Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and this can cause dry eyes placing you at greater risk for dry eye problems. You can also use artificial eye wetting liquids if you have problems with producing tears to make the eyes moist.
7. Exercise your eyes.
Reduce your risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen by looking away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds.
8. Take frequent breaks.
This will not only help you reduce your risk for computer vision syndrome but also neck, back and shoulder pain, take frequent breaks during your computer work day.
9. Modify your workstation.
When you constantly look at surfaces with different reflective abilities will make your eyes strain. Make sure that all the racks and surfaces are evenly lit. Another thing that you can do is to Purchase ergonomic furniture to enable you to position your computer screen 20 to 24 inches from your eyes. The center of your screen should be about 10 to 15 degrees below your eyes for comfortable positioning of your head and neck.
10. Consider computer eye-wear.
For the greatest comfort at your computer, you may benefit from having your eye care professional modify your eyeglasses prescription to create customized computer glasses. This is especially true if you normally wear contact lenses, which may become dry and uncomfortable during sustained computer work.