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How to Prevent Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain

Reduce Tired, Itchy, Dry, Painful Eyes, Headaches and Blurred Vision

Feb 17, 2009 Sharon Kirby

Symptoms of computer eye strain include headaches, painful, dry, itchy eyes, feeling tired, light sensitivity and blurry vision. Learn how to avoid straining the eyes.

Computer eye strain can manifest itself as painful headaches, tiredness, dry and itching eyes, sensitivity to bright lights and vision problems. There are some small adjustments which can be made to relieve symptoms of eye strain associated with extensive computer use, whether the computer is used for work, such as writing or website design, or for playing games.

Causes and Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain

Focusing at a short distance for several hours each day is not how nature intended the eyes to be used. On the contrary, the eye muscles involved in the focusing mechanism are designed for mostly looking into the distance and small amounts of close up work. Focusing at a distance relaxes these muscles, whereas constantly focusing on near objects overworks and strains them.

Regular computer use for long periods of time can place too much stress on the visual system, leading to tightened eye muscles and eye strain (technical name asthenopia). Symptoms of eye strain include headaches, tiredness, dry and uncomfortable eyes, sharp pains in the eyes, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances such as blurred vision, not to mention reduced work productivity.

Room Brightness and Lighting

Make sure windows have blinds or curtains to cover them if bright sunlight is streaming in. Also, try not to position the desk so that a window is behind it; this will cause reflections on the computer screen and place additional stress and strain on the eyes. If a desk lamp is used, don’t position it so it shines directly on the computer screen or towards the face.

The room in which the computer is situated should be lit well enough to see the computer screen comfortably, but the glare from bright light, both natural and artificial, can cause eye strain. Light should not be shining directly in the field of view or on the computer screen. As a general rule, the lighting of the working area should be about the same level of brightness as the computer screen.

Computer Screen Position and Brightness

The computer screen should be a minimum of one arm’s length away from the face, squarely facing the user, and the centre of the screen should be slightly lower than eye level, by an angle of about 20 degrees. A height adjustable chair will help accomplish this arrangement. Face the desk towards a clear area of at least 20 feet (not directly up against a wall) so it is possible to regularly glance up from the computer screen at objects further away, which rests and relaxes the eye muscles.

Adjust the computer screen brightness so that it is comfortable to look at, and ensure there is good contrast between the screen background and the letters on the screen. LCD (liquid crystal display) screens are easier on the eyes than CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors, as CRT monitors cause screen flickering, which leads to eye strain.

One of the most important things to do to prevent symptoms of computer eye strain is to take regular breaks away from the computer screen. Taking short, frequent breaks for a few minutes at a time is better than working for several hours and taking one long break. During these breaks stand up and move about, and have a bit of a stretch if possible. Look at some far away objects to relax the eye muscles.

Eye strain caused by focusing on a computer screen for long periods of time can be avoided. Don't forget to have regular eye exams to ensure good eye health, and get glasses made specifically for computer use if necessary.

Resources:

All About Vision. “Computer Eye Strain: 10 Steps for Relief.” (Accessed 17th February 2009)

The copyright of the article How to Prevent Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain in General Medicine is owned by Sharon Kirby. Permission to republish How to Prevent Symptoms of Computer Eye Strain in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Extended Computer Use can Cause Eye Strain	Headaches are a Symptom of Computer Eye Strain	Focus in the Distance to Relax Eye Muscles
Position the Computer Screen Correctly	Adjust Computer Screen Brightness