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[S1217]Symptoms Of Eye Strain

by Juliet Cohen, Jul

Eye strain associated with computer use isn't thought to have serious or long-term consequences, but it's disruptive and unpleasant. Eye strain occurs when you over-use your eye muscles. Any muscle held in one position too long will strain. More than 50 percent of computer users experience eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms related to sustained use of the computer. This type of stress on the visual system can also cause body fatigue and reduced efficiency at work. Generally speaking the most common cause of eye strain is from overuse. There are a small number of causes which can result in people suffering from Eye strain and sometimes accompanied by headaches. When used for concentrated work there is a tendancy to blink less frequently. This leads to drying of the eyes resulting in a burning or pricking sensation.

Eyestrain is a common complaint of office workers, made more common in recent years by the widespread use of video display terminals (VDTs). The main problems that cause eyestrain and associated headache include hyperopia is where the light is focused behind the retina and consequently the image is blurred close up. Hyperopia is corrected by spectacles or contact lenses. Astigmatism is another type of visual defect and can accompany myopia or hyperopia. Astigmatism is when the cornea is not a perfect spherical shape so that images will be more blurred in some particular directions. Astigmatism may cause a blurring of objects at all distances and even a tendency for the person to squint in order to improve vision. Astigmatism is also correctable with spectacles and contact lenses. Presbyopia is another type of eye condition and frequently occurs with the ageing process.

Eye-Ease Tips

1. Computer glasses that focus at the right distance for the computer screen.

2. Wearing contact lenses --- corrected for computer or reading distance in one eye, and for far distance (if needed) in the other eye.

3. To reduce glare, position your VDT so that neither you nor the screen faces a window. If necessary, use a hood or glare-reduction screen.

4. To lessen strain on eye muscles, keep your VDT screen 18 to 28 inches from your eyes, and no higher than eye level when you're seated in your chair.

5. Use dimmer lighting around your VDT. Dim lighting reduces glare and makes the screen easier to read.

6. Adjust the screen's brightness and contrast controls for your best comfort.

7. If your screen has color options, choose those easiest on your eyes.

8. Nutrition is also very important for reducing eye strain.

9. Try to avoid eye drops if you can.

10. Take the Rest-Simple one-minute eye excercises can reduce eye fatigue.

We're all more likely than ever to spend prolonged periods looking at a computer monitor. Many people now have laptops and this has led to almost incessant use, both at work and home, due to the increase in activities that can be performed from a PC with internet connection i.e. online shopping, communication and socialising to name a few. It's no exaggeration to stress that many of us are living the majority of our waking lives peering at a backlit screen.

Don't stress this isn't going to turn into a luddite rant, I'm as attracted by the lure of the PC as anybody. After a particularly long session hunched over my laptop however I do occasionally imagine the distant echo of my mother's disapproving voice nagging about 'square eyes'. A matter that should worry most of us who use computers to this length is: What are the effects of staring at a computer monitor for hours on end?

Well, while there are unlikely to be any long term unfavourable problems, PC linked eye-strain is an increasingly common complaint. The symptoms will doubtless be recognisable to many of you: sore, tired, burning eyes, blurred vision, headache, after images when you look away for the monitor, light sensitivity and dry eyes. The frustration is that however much your eyes are suffering, stopping work and giving your eyes a sustained rest might not be an option, particularly if you're doing something important that relies on using a computer.

Below are some guidelines to help reduce the strain on your eyes:

Let yours eyes rest - Take a minute or two to assist your eye to rest; look out of the window, close them, anything that will give them a break for a while will help.

Non-computer work - A large number of us will have work to do that can be done without a computer; endeavour to set aside this work and do it when your eyes need a rest from the PC screen.

Correct Seating - In short, you should sit close to arms length from the monitor with your eyes level with the top of the display. Adjust the font size or screen resolution if you have difficulty reading the fonts from the correct distance.

Blinking - While using a PC intensively you will realise you blink less often than normal. Make certain you blink consciously every so often to stop your eyes from drying. If you have severely dry eyes you can always try eye drop known as "artificial tears" (these can be found online at sites such as Vision Direct Online Contact Lenses)

Check your lenses - to see if they are contributing to your eye complaint (consult your optician). If you find they are a problem check with your optician about switching to a hydrating lens. Another choice is to buy specialist computer glasses that have been constructed especially for the job (you can find more info at All About Vision). On a side note if your optician recommends a lens you may get them cheaper online at sites such as Vision Direct Contact Lenses.

Before making any changes be certain to consult your doctor or optician.

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Article Source : alternative forms of healing

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Both Juliet Cohen & Jo Godden are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Juliet Cohen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Cream, Alternative Medicine and Abdominal. Juliet Cohen writes articles for and