Tips to reduce computer eye strain

Computer screens use what is called pixels to display words and images. The brightness of these pixels diminishes as they move from the centre towards the edges. The result is that our eyes find it difficult to focus and they keep drifting towards the resting point of accommodation. Once they reach this point, they have to refocus on the screen. 

Combined with a low rate of blinking and improper work settings, this leads to eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision among many other symptoms. This group of symptoms is often referred to as computer vision syndrome.

Well, let’s try and see if you are also one of the sufferers of this very frustrating syndrome. Let’s put a check mark on any of the symptoms that you experience.

• Blurred vision
• Itching
• Burning
• Dry eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Difficulties in focusing
• Double vision
• Squinting
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Pain in the neck, shoulder, and back

 Do any of these seem familiar? Don’t worry, if it does. Go on to next section and find out about the solutions for reducing computer eye strain.

Well, firstly don’t worry, be happy! Worrying will only make it worse. Here are a few things that can help you deal effectively with computer eye strain.

Yes, blinking is the best way to get relief from eye strain caused by staring at the computer screen. Don't get so lost while reading this article that you forget to blink! So, blink as much as possible.

Breaks are not just important for preventing eye strain. They are also very important for the rest of your body. 

So, look away from the computer screen for 10 seconds every 2 minutes. 

Every 30 minutes, give your eyes a 2 minutes break by rubbing your palms vigorously against each other and placing them on your eyes for about 30 seconds. 

Every hour, get up from your workstation and take a 5 minutes break. Stretch, have a glass of water, or anything you wish. Don’t smoke though.

Yes, it has been found that computer eyewear can actually eliminate the constant focusing and refocusing that your eyes have to do while viewing the screen. So, consult your eye-care specialist and get one. And of course, if you need prescription glasses and you have been avoiding them, now is the right time to start using these!

Tears in the eyes tend to evaporate rapidly when you don't blink. Combine it with the dry environment at office and home and you increase your risk of dry eye. 

While eye exercises and blinking will surely help in reducing a dry eye problem, you may also want to use artificial tears or eye lubricants. These solutions not only provide eye with moisture, but also reduce eye strain and irritation.

Here are a few other tips to tackle the menace of computer eye fatigue. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Make sure you get an adequate dosage of Vitamins A, C, and E. Splash your eyes with cold water frequently to prevent them from drying. Don’t stare at your computer for more than 2 hours at an end. Get up and relax your eyes! 

It has been found that 9 out of 10 people using computers are sufferers of computer eye strain. So, make sure that you use these tips and tell your friends about computer vision syndrome too!