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.