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9 Ways to Reduce the Symptoms of Computer Eyestrain

August 1, 2007

Eyestrain is the number one complaint in office jobs, but there are many things workers and employers can do to reduce these symptoms. The best solution is number 1 below-see an eye doctor using the PRIO Vision Tester, and get a pair of eyeglasses specifically to wear when you use the computer. If any of the following conditions exist, they may increase your risk of eyestrain: Here are nine additional tips for ways to reduce eyestrain.

1. GET AN EYE EXAM! This is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision problems. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), computer users should have an eye exam before they start working on a computer and once per year thereafter.
2. USE PROPER LIGHTING In your office you are likely to find several things that can cause eyestrain, including glare on walls and finished surfaces, reflections on the computer screen itself, excessively bright light coming in from outside, and excessively bright light inside Eliminate exterior light and reflections by closing drapes or blinds. When using computers, lighting should be about half that used in most offices. Reduce lighting by using fewer light bulbs or florescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes.
3. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS Full time computer users should take a 10-minute break every hour to reduce eyestrain problems according to experts. Part-time users should take frequent breaks, after sitting in front of their display for more than a hour.
4. REFOCUS YOUR EYES Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object outside or down the hallway. This prevents the fixed gaze common among computer users. It also lets you blink, which wets your eyes.
5. BLINK MORE OFTEN When staring at a computer, people blink less frequently-about 5 times less than normal, according to studies. Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Office buildings may have excessively dry environments that also reduce tearing. For significant problems, ask your eye doctor about artificial tears or eye drops that you can use during the day.
6. MODIFY YOUR WORKSTATION If you need to look back and forth between the printed or written page and the computer, this can cause eyestrain. Place written pages on a copy stand adjacent to the monitor. Properly light the copy stand. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height. Purchase ergonomic furniture to assure proper screen locations and posture.
7. MATCH THE COMPUTER SCREEN TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT Closely match the brightness of the environment with that of the computer screen. The contrast between the background and on-screen characters should be high.
8. MINIMIZE GLARE Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block out excessive sunlight, or install an anti-glare screen, to minimize reflections on the screen itself. Reduce the internal ambient light if necessary. For conditions where outside light cannot be reduced, use a computer hood to cut glare and reflection. Have an Anti-Reflective coating applied to your glasses. This will prevent glare and reflections on the back side of your lenses form reaching your eyes.
9. EXERCISE EVEN WHEN SITTING Anyone in a sedentary job, especially those using computers, should also stand up, move about, or exercise frequently. NIOSH recommends several sitting, stretching, and joint rotating exercises for computer users.