How Daily Computer Work Can Cause You To Suffer From Eyestrain?

Up to 125 million American employees are suffering from computer eyestrain.

Eyestrain and other vision problems can occur in as many as nine out of ten people using video display terminals at work.

This condition is due to prolonged computer use, eyes too close or too far from the monitor and some environmental conditions.

The prolonged computer use will not damage your vision, but it can make you to feel uncomfortable and decrease productivity.

Eyestrain is also referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It is caused by the continuous and constant focus and refocus of the eyes on the characters on a computer screen. [Ergonomics - Eye Problems]

These characters do not have the specific contrast or well defined edges like printed words, and the eyes’ focus can not remain fixed.

The symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome include:

• Headaches
• Burning or tired eyes
• Watery eyes
• Loss of focus
• Neck or shoulder pain
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Dry eyes
• Excessive blinking or squinting

Researchers have shown that CVS can also lead to decrease in the accuracy of work and, as a result, decrease in productivity.

How to reduce computer eyestrain?

• By making changes in the ergonomics of the work area you can partially alleviate your eyestrain.
• Place the monitor in the specified position and keeping proper lightning can reduce your eyestrain.
• You must take short and frequent breaks every half an hour or an hour from your computer. In that break focus your eyes for 2 minutes on a distant object to help refresh your vision.
• Adjust the brightness of the monitor to an intensity that is comfortable to your eyes. That means not too bright or too dim. Adjust the contrast between the characters on the monitor and the background so the letters are easily read.
• You can also use specialized computer glasses to reduce the eyestrain permanently.
• Computer lenses are designed to improve your vision in the 18-28 inch range; it is the optimal distance to your eyes and computer monitor [Ergonomic Monitor].
• Use window shades and dimmer switches on lights to minimize the reflected glare on the monitor. Place the monitor perpendicular to the windows or other bright sources of light to reduce the glare.
• You can also use flat screen monitors and LCD monitors to reduce eyestrain.