For anyone who works within an office environment, it will come as no surprise that eye strain is the most common health complaint at work. And, once you think about what your eyes go through on a daily basis, it's not surprising: think about how your legs feel after being at the gym for an hour. They are most likely sore and tired from working the muscles. Now, consider how your eye muscles feel when they put in an 8 hour day, 5 days a week? Even though you may not realize it, when you are looking at a screen or monitor for a long time, you are using tiny muscles in your eyes. No wonder they are so sore!
What Causes Computer Eye Strain?
Computer eye strain is caused by staring at a monitor for long periods of time. This close up concentration is the main reason for most cases of monitor eye strain. After all, most devices are located less than 60 centimeters from your eyes. Another cause of monitor eye strain is the glare on your screen from overhead lighting and lamps. Furthermore, the general ergonomics of sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week does not help the situation. If you combine all of these causes together, you will have the answer to your problems with eye strain. Computers don't have to be the enemy of your eyes any longer.
What are the Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain?
Could you be suffering from computer eye strain? Check the symptoms below to find out:
Do you have trouble focusing on the screen?
Do you have a stiff or sore neck?
Do you get headaches often in the work office?
Do you experience discomfort in the eyes such as sore or tired eyes?
Do your eyes itch or burn?
Do your eyes feel dry or watery?
Do you have blurred or double vision?
Do you have color fringes or do you still see images from the screen dancing in your vision when you look away?
Preventing Computer Monitor Eye Strain
Firstly, change your monitor screen to project no more than four times brighter compared to the ambient lighting used in the office. This will minimize the glare from the screen. Also, try to get rid of the glare coming from the sunlight by positioning your desk away from it or closing the blinds.
Second, position yourself so the centre of the screen is below the straight ahead seeing position and angle the monitor back slightly. Also, position your keyboard so that it is ergonomically friendly. You can also try to move your monitor back during the day to give your eyes more variety.
And, finally, give your eyes a chance to relax during the day. Look away from the screen and focus on an object in the distance every fifteen minutes. Try to do an activity for five minutes every hour that does not involve your device like filing, making a telephone call, or taking a walk around the office.