Ismahan Posted March 20, 2002 Most of us do not even realize how much strain we are putting the eyes through while working constantly on the computer, without a break. Here are some facts that I came across on the internet on eye problems caused by prolonged and repeated computer usage, as well as some tips to avoid eye strain. Computers put a tremendous amount of strain on your eye muscles, yet it is impossible to avoid using computers. We have become so dependent on computers at work and home. As computer usage has increased, so have related vision problems. Your eyes need to work harder to focus on the computer screen for a prolonged period. Computers are more visually demanding than printed material because the image on a monitor is not stable like printed text in a book. Is your computer monitor giving you headaches, backaches, and making you otherwise miserable? Many people who work extensively with computers and video screens experience this discomfort, which is often difficult to accurately diagnose. Many a time, you will pass it off as simple headaches, but stop and think - it may be due to your eyes. Symptoms - Dry/sore eyes - Contact lens discomfort - Difficulty changing focus - Glare sensitivity from screen - Neck,back and shoulder pain Some specialists summarize these symptoms under the term Computer Eye Strain. Computer Eye Strain is not a clinical disease but rather a reaction to a computer-centered office environment. It usually can be eliminated by making simple adjustments to your workplace. Tips while working on the Computer - Place the computer screen so that it sits slightly below eye level. - The monitor should be as far away from your eyes as you can read comfortably (about 20-26 inches) - Lighting should be indirect and even. Be sure you're not directly facing either a light or a window. Adjust lighting to minimize glare and reflections. Placing a non-glare filter on the computer monitor will also reduce glare. - Give your eyes a break by frequently standing up to stretch. If possible, alternate computer activities with other tasks - Use artificial tears to moisten dry eyes (availble in the pharmacy, over the counter). - Blink often when staring at screens and papers to keep eyes moist. - Make sure you get enough sleep (approximately 8 hours per night) to avoid eyestrain - Lower your computer screen ( or make your chair high ) so that the center is four to eight inches below your eyes. - Place the keyboard on a flat surface, directly in front of you, at a comfortable distance. When you use the keyboard, your arms and hands should be in a relaxed position with your forearms parallel to the floor (stretched in a straight line to the keyboard). You should be able to type without twisting your body or neck. - The brightness and contrast control of the monitor should be set properly for comfortable viewing. Turn the brightness to minimum, then set the contrast to a level comfortable for your viewing. - From time to time, say every half hour press the palms of your hands lightly on the eyes to let the warmth from your hands relax the eye muscles. - During the day if you can look at some greenery, that will help quite a bit as the color GREEN is known to relieve tired eyes. - Vitamin A supplements, or loads of carrots and other sources of vit A (or if you are taking multi vits, that will do). Finally, it may be a good idea for all of you to consult an Eye doctor, also known as an Opthalmologist .........who knows, you may be suffering from eye allergy or dry eyes (very possible, as most of us here work on the computers at work 9 hours a day, 6 days a week and also from home) and may not even realize it. YOUR EYES ARE YOUR WINDOW TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD SO TAKE CARE OF IT..... PEACE... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar Posted March 20, 2002 Salaan... Thanks, Ismahaan, but your helpful information was due for two years. Two years ago I was recommended to use an ookiyaal. And today, I believe I need my second ookiyaal. And by the way, there is this thing on the computer screen I keep looking whenever I have a time to view. It is my obsession. I must admit. _________________ Macsalaama!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bachelor Posted April 1, 2002 Thanks sis,it is a wonderful and beneficial topic. Lately i my eyes getting weaker and weaker and i am seriously considering to reduce my computer use but that is what i am doing for living. Whereas your information was a valuable THANKS once again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
