Computer Eye Strain

Eyestrain associated with computer use isn't thought to have serious or long-term consequences, but it's disruptive and unpleasant. If you or your child spend more than two hours each day in front of a computer screen, you likely experience some symptoms of computer vision syndrome or CVS. n n The main symptoms of CVS are - n Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes
Watery eyes
Dry eyes
Blurred or double visio

Headache and sore neck
Difficulty shifting focus between monitor and paper documents in your work area
Color fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitor
Increased sensitivity to light n n Since this a profession related complication, it can be treated with modifying the work area and introducing some alterations in the work habit to reduce the symptoms. n n The modifications in the work area are - n The computer screen should be slightly below eye level (about 20 degrees). Copy should be at the same level as the screen.
Wrists and lower arms are parallel to the floor while working on keyboard.
The working chair should be comfortable with a good back support.
Sit straight on the chair with feet flat on ground, thighs parallel to ground and back erect.
The screen brightness and contrast should be adjusted by the operator for the maximum viewing comfort.
The workstation lighting should provide a 10:3 ratio: screen characters 10 times brighter than the screen background; room illumination 3 times brighter than screen background.
Eliminate glare and screen reflections by moving or tilting the computer or getting an anti-glare screen.
Try not to face toward windows or bright light sources.
Operators should face into an open space beyond the computer screen.
Clean the screen regularly as they attract dust. n n To reduce the symptoms, there are some alterations in the work schedule that can be done - n Take a break after every 11/2 to 2 hours. Get up from the workstation and walk 20 paces one side and 20 paces the other side. Sit on your chair and close eyes for 3-4 minutes.
Consciously blink your eyes more frequently as the blink rate is reduced with continuous work on computers causing dryness.
Use artificial eye drops for lubricating the eye.
If still symptoms persist, then get an eye examination done to rule out any refractive error. If there is one, then use corrective glasses for the same. n n