Preventing computer related eyestrain

As more and more people spend the majority of their working hours in front of a computer, the occurrence of eyestrain is on the rise. Millions of people in the world use computers and the numbers are doubling every year.{{more}}

Eyestrain can have devastating consequences on a person’s lifestyle.

Examples are: Dry and irritated eyes, headaches, focusing difficulties, blurred vision, tiredness, backaches, shoulder aches just to mention a few.

Here are a few tips to combat computer related eye strain.

1. Check the lighting around your computer. Improper lighting can affect the eyes and cause strain. Glare from a window or a lamp that has been placed wrongly can cause eye strain. If you can see the reflection on your computer screen then you are most likely putting yourself in harms way. Overhead fluorescent lights are not advisable, because they flicker at a high rate causing the eyes to become tired. A floor or table lamp with a full spectrum lightbulb is advised.

2. Take short breaks: use the 2020 rule. For every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds or for every hour look 20 feet away for 1 minute. You can also get up and walk around.

to be contiuned…

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com

Tel: 784 456-1210