Computer eye strain symptoms, causes, prevention tips

computer-eye-strain

In today’s world, people are constantly in front of their computer or laptop screens. This goes up to around 5 to 8 hours a day and we gradually start straining our eyes. We live in a digital world and people cannot imagine striving without these devices. This category would also include cell phones, which constantly sticks to us, all through the day. In this article, we will read through the symptoms and causes which would assure you your condition and remedies so that you can prevent and heal yourself.

Some common symptoms that you are straining your eyes because of these devices are:

  • Eyes getting tired even when your body is active enough
  • Dry eyes or watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Soreness in back, neck and shoulders
  • Sensitivity in the eyes due to light

If you ever feel any of the above symptoms, you can comfort your eyes with the remedies we have listed below:

Blink eyes repeatedly

Blinking is very important as it adds moisture and prevents you from itchiness and dryness. When you are using your computer screen, there are possibilities that you aren’t blinking at all! Add a blinking regime in which you would take out couple of minutes at every interval and blink your eyes.

Adjust the lighting of your room

Your computer should be present in a properly lit up room. Again, properly lit up doesn’t mean blinding light. Excess brightness could strain your eyes too. This could also include scorching sunlight coming through an open window. Use drapes or windows shades for blocking that out. For the electric lights, you need low intensity bulbs or fluorescent ones. Comfortable lights reduce stress and prevent further eye strain.

Adjust contrast and brightness

Go to the setting for display of your computer screen and adjust it to match the brightness of your room. You also have to adjust the contrast of backgrounds and features so that you don’t squint to see the screen! You can also alter the font sizes and colors.

Giving short breaks

Don’t stare into the screen for a long time and in the same position. You might be sitting in the office in the same posture for hours, and this is why you ought to take short breaks too. Be off your computer screen for 5 to 15 minutes to relax your eyes. Do it after every 1-2 hours. This would circulate blood and prevent from eye straining.

Move the monitor

If your monitor is fixed in a cramped space and that too right at the corner of the cubicle, you might want to move it. This will help you look away when you take a break. Try to move it to a position, so that it is at quite a distance while you take a break.

Getting rid of the glare

Glares coming out from your computer screen, windows, walls or any reflective surfaces could strain the eyes. It is best to install an anti-glare screen which would cover the reflective surface. If you don’t have it, try and close the drapes or shades of the windows for reducing the condition caused by sun rays.

Relax your eyes

Prevent eye strain in few simple ways:

  • Focus on something which is at a distance and stare straight for a few minutes.
  • Rub your palms till they are warm and then touch your eyes. Your eyes would be closed and you would have to take deep breaths. Visualize that you are looking at something at a distance. Open the eyes and release. Repeat three times.
  • Close eyes and roll the neck, shoulder and head for relaxing the eyes. This would also minimize shoulder ache.

Splash water

When your eyes start burning, go and splash some water on the face. Splash normal to cold water and let the water dry on its own. You can get back to work after the water dries.

Face massage

Wet a towel with warm water. Rub your cheeks, neck and forehead with it. Keep massaging these areas and don’t rub the eyes. You can improve blood stimulation and not strain while working at the monitor.

Expert advice

If you still see these symptoms to persist after following all the above remedies, you might need to consult an optician. Eyes are sensitive and eye checkups should not be delayed at any cost.  Have an eye test, and let the doctor tell you, how critical your condition is and what the medicated solutions are.

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Originally posted in Beauty & Health Tips

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