Give Your Eyes a Break , Articles, living

Give Your Eyes a Break

by Rebecca Schwarz
published January 23, 2008

rating: (82 Ratings)

Most of us spend an inordinate amount of time gazing at our computer terminals, whether at work or at home. Eye fatigue or strain is often the result, but it’s not restricted to staring at a computer screen—reading a book or magazine, watching TV, or working on a craft project can also strain your eyes. Read on to find out more about preventing eye fatigue.

What is eye fatigue?

Eye fatigue occurs whenever you focus your eyes on a close object for an extended period of time. This happens because your eye muscles must work harder to view an object closer than about six metres, or 20 feet. While it can be a nuisance, there is no indication it can lead to permanent damage.

If you have trouble keeping your eyes open while working at a computer, you may have eyestrain. Other symptoms can include a sore neck, headaches, blurred near vision, or trouble changing focus (from a close to distant object, for example).

How can I prevent eye fatigue?

At the office:
*If you use a document holder next to your computer screen, make sure it is close enough so that you don’t have to move your head back and forth, and change eye focus repeatedly.
*Lower your computer screen so that the centre of your screen is four to eight inches below your eye level, at a viewing distance of 20 to 28 inches.
*Setting the desktop background color to a pale or pastel hue can also help, lessening the contrast with the text.
*Try a glare-filter over your computer screen.

Watching television or a DVD:
*Position the set to avoid glare and reflections from lamps, windows and other sources.
*Viewing distance should be at least five times the width of the screen. Sitting too close can cause eyestrain.
*Make sure your set is at approximately eye level.
*Don’t watch TV in a dark room. Back lighting and a dim general light is best.
*Don’t stare for long periods; briefly look away and gaze at your loved ones before returning your focus to the screen.

General tips:
*If you are seated in a draughty area or near an air vent, change your position so that the draught is away from your eyes to avoid aggravation.
*If your eyes do become dry or irritated, concentrate on blinking.
*Take frequent rest breaks by looking up and away at a distant object. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away beyond 20 feet and blink 20 times.
*Lubricate your eyes with artificial tears: these are lubricating eye drops used to treat dry, irritated eyes.
*And do remember to schedule regular eye exams, at least every six to eight months.