Computer screens and eyestrain

If you're one of a growing number of people who use computers every day, you may be experiencing eyestrain as a result. Symptoms include:

· Sore, tired, burning, itching or dry eyes

· Blurred or double vision

· Distance vision blurred after prolonged staring at a monitor

· Headache, sore neck

· Difficulty shifting focus between monitor and source documents, or difficulty focusing on the screen image

· Color fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitor

· Increased sensitivity to light

Eyestrain associated with computer use isn't thought to have serious or long-term consequences, but it's disruptive and unpleasant. Although you probably can't change every factor that may cause eyestrain, there are some things you can do.

Take a break - Look away from the screen and into the distance or at an object several feet away for 10 seconds every 10 minutes.

Change of pace - Try to move around at least once every 2 hours, giving both your eyes and your body a needed rest. Arrange non-computer work as breaks from the screen. Consider standing while doing such work.

Blink your eyes - Dry eyes can result from prolonged computer use, especially for contact lens wearers. Some people blink only once a minute when doing computer work, when once every 5 seconds is considered normal. Less blinking means less lubrication from tears, resulting in dry, itchy or burning eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more often. If that doesn't help, consider using eye drops.

Rest your eyes - If possible, lean back and close your eyes for a few moments once in awhile. However, you may not want to do this at your desk and risk being accused of sleeping on the job.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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