EYESTRAIN

Does your vision change or do your eyes feel tired after spending long hours in front of a computer screen? Do you get a headache when reading small print? Eyestrain can be very annoying and cause a variety of visual and physical disturbances.

Symptoms of eyestrain include:

blurred vision
eye irritation such as red, watery, or dry eyes
difficulty focusing
fatigue with an aching heaviness of the eyelids or forehead and
headaches, backaches, or muscle spasms

The main causes of eyestrain are:

poor lighting
glare and
focusing the eyes for extended periods of time on a fixed object in close range

Eyestrain may indicate that you need eyeglasses or contact lenses because your vision has changed and your eyes are straining to see more clearly. On the other hand, eyestrain may simply be due to tired eyes. To avoid tired eyes and the visual disturbances resulting from eyestrain, identify the cause and correct it.

Tips to avoid eyestrain:

take an eye break every 15-30 minutes or so (Rest your eyes from what you are doing. Look up and allow your eyes to unfocus. Take a walk or gaze out a window.)
use proper lighting in your reading or work area (Arrange the lighting to minimize dimness, glare, and reflections.)
blink your eyes (Blinking moistens and gives your eyes a mini-rest.)
close your eyes and relax for a few minutes
when outdoors, wear sunglasses that provide 100% protection from ultraviolet rays
have your eyes checked (It may be time to change your eyeglass prescription.)
adapt your workstation and home environment to your visual needs

Computers and eyestrain:

Video display terminals are not harmful to the eyes. Under normal operating conditions, there is no danger of the video display terminal to release harmful radiation. In fact, even after a lifetime of exposure, the levels of radiation are well below those required to produce cataracts or other eye damage.

To avoid eyestrain when using a computer screen:

minimize glare and reflections on the screen by keeping it away from direct sunlight
keep the screen in proper focus and at a comfortable viewing level
dust the screen frequently with an anti-static cloth
avoid shifting your eyes too often from the screen to your written copy
take rest breaks to relax your eyes and the muscles of your face and body
blink frequently and
see an ophthalmologist to determine if you need special computer viewing eyeglasses

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File EYES4509.RF2 VRS# 4509 Data Version 7.0