Do Your Eyes Strain After Several Hours on the Computer? Here's Some Information You Need to Know

If you are like the millions of people who experience visual problems caused from being on the computer for long periods of time, here is some valuable information:

Computer eyestrain affects more than 70 percent of the approximately 143 million Americans who work on a computer on a daily basis, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time will put a strain on the eyes. This can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

I am on the computer all the time, and I can attest that after a while it is impossible for me to continue to focus. This is frustrating because I may be caught up in a project that I have to step away from and wait until my eyes regain clarity and focus.

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?

Our eyes struggle to focus on text and characters viewed on a computer screen. Unlike letters on printed-paper, words on a computer tend to fade or diminish at the edges and are not as clear or dense as printed text. With prolonged computer use, our eyes involuntarily tend to drift to a more comfortable resting point. The eye muscles then have to continually flex in order to continue to focus on what you are viewing. This puts undue stress and strain on the eyes.

Glare and reflections on the screen from surrounding sources are other common factors that interfere with the eye's ability to focus. These additional disruptions tend to force the eyes work harder while viewing the computer.

Also, the positioning of the computer monitor can exacerbate the problem. When the monitor is placed too high, we end up keeping our eyes wide open. We also blink less than we normally would in order to stay focused on the screen. Therefore, the eyes become dry and irritated. This also forces us to sit in an unnatural position in order to view the monitor with our heads tilted back. Bad posture can cause headaches, neck, and back pain.

These factors create a strain on the eyes and make it difficult to continue to focus after long periods of time.

Is CVS a long-term condition?

Luckily, optometrists claim CVS only causes short-term discomfort and symptoms. There is no evidence that long-term use of the computer will lead to any permanent damage.

What are the symptoms?

Eye strain, eye fatigue, blurred vision, double vision, squinting, dry, irritable eyes, difficulty focusing, neck pain, back pain, and headaches.

So, What Helps? Try adjusting your workplace-

• Position your computer monitor so it is 20" to 26" away from you. Ideally, your monitor is sitting low enough that your eyes focus from 4" to 8" above the center of the computer monitor.
• Your optometrist can prescribe a pair of eyeglasses specifically for computer use. They will help you focus and keep from straining. Ask if your insurance covers this.
• Make sure there is no distracting light source hitting your screen. Close the window shades and move lamps to accommodate if necessary.
• A flat panel monitor is easier on the eyes than the old tube style monitors. If you haven't already replaced the old monitor, getting a new lcd screen would be helpful. The older style monitors tend to flicker.
• Adjust the contrast, brightness levels, and font size to a comfortable level. The screen shouldn't be too bright. Contrast should be high. A larger font is easier on the eyes. I always keep my pages zoomed in at 125% to 150%.

Some physical actions you can take to relieve or prevent discomforts:

• Use a lubricating eye drop, the kind that helps produce tears.
• Try giving your eyes a break every 20 minutes to an hour. Relaxing the eyes is one of the easiest ways to manage eye fatigue.
• Drink more often. Keeping yourself hydrated will also keep your eyes moist and prevent them from becoming dry and irritated.
• Blink more often. When you are engrossed and staring at the screen, you blink less. You have to consciously remind yourself to do so.
• Massage your face, especially around your forehead, temples, and cheekbones. This will relax surrounding muscles and increase blood flow.
• Make sure that every so often you look away from the screen and focus on a distant object for about 15 seconds. This exercise will help you regain your focus.

Try some amazing natural remedies:

Astaxathin is found naturally in algae called Heamatoccus pluvialis. It's a phytochemical / plant nutrient in the caretenoid xanthophyllis family. Astaxathin contains a far more superior source of carotenoids than carrots which contain beta carotene.

Astaxathin provides many amazing health benefits, one of which is is the effect it has on the health of the eyes.

Supplementing with astaxanthin will relieve eye fatigue, eye strain, weakness, and irritations. It improves the blood flow to the eyes and reduces inflammation. This is especially good news for those of us who suffer daily from eyestrain and fatigue from constant computer use.

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and oxidative stress. Therefore, taking Astaxanthin regularly will aid in improving overall visual acuity and eye health.

Astaxanthin can be purchased as a supplement and works well with lutein, beta-carotene, and other natural supplements that promote improved eye health. Dosage of 4-12 mg daily has been shown to reduce eyestrain without any apparent side effects.

Along with drinking water to stay well hydrated, fish oil and flax seed will also prevent dry eyes. Taking flaxseed oil or fish oil daily will reduce dry eye symptoms, including burning, stinging, redness and intermittent visual disturbances.

reference: Yahoo.com Associated Content

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