Eye strain from Computer Useage

Author: Michelle Costanza Weis
For those of us who work in an office and spend most of the day in our cubicles, one of the most common ailments we have been subjected to is eye strain due to long hours of sitting at our desks and staring at our computer monitors. By listening to our bodies and knowing how to combat the discomfort caused by eyestrain, we can allow ourselves to be more productive while working.
The technical name for eyestrain due to computer usage is called Computer Vision Syndrome (or CVS). People who suffer from CVS will feel any number of the following at the same time or at different intervals:
When working some people are prone to keeping their eyes open too long or not blinking enough; focussing too much puts way too much pressure on the eye muscles surrounding the eyes. And a lack of blinking will dehydrate the area creating sore, tired or 'itchy eyes'. When a person is fatigued, it\'s possible that the eyes will begin to water. This typically happens late at night just before retiring for the evening. But the same kind of fatigue is caused by working long hours as well. And just the opposite can happen! The lack of blinking will cause dry eyes which gets worse if contact lenses are worn.
All of that brain power in combination with working long hours and staring at a monitor may even cause some people to have blurred vision or the inability to focus easily. Yet a more common symptom of over work is to suffer from headaches. Headaches are usually caused by a combination of symptoms all sourced from eye strain which include and are not limited to neck strain, back and shoulder pain.
An increase in sensitivity to light in combination with difficulty focussing is also a symptom cause by CVS. Most offices use fluorescent lighting which gives off a white almost bluish hue that is unnatural and makes it difficult for us to focus. The use of other digital electronic devices can cause many of these symptoms as well.
Adjust the lighting in your office. First, do a 'light test' by cupping your hands above and around your eyes, much like the way a baseball hat would shelter them. If you notice a huge difference once you remove your hands, it may be wise to get a table top desk lamp. Tweak the settings of your monitor by adjusting the brightness and contrast,and font size until you find something that is comfortable for you. The preset factory setting is not for everyone. Minimize the glare coming from your monitor by installing anti-glare filters or adjusting your office window shades.
Remember to give your eyes a break at least every two hours. Get up and away from your desk, focus on something other than a monitor. Exercise your eyes by looking up and down and to the left and right, roll your eyes clockwise and counter-clockwise a few times. Give yourself a little TLC by massaging your eyelids, temples and eyebrows. Blink your eyes often and use eye drops occasionally.
Fear not! There\'s a way to fight all of these symptoms. They key is to be aware of what\'s around you and to listen to your body. Start first by getting a comprehensive eye exam. If these remedies don\'t work to relieve your eyestrain symptoms, make an appointment to see your eye doctor. Your eye discomfort could be reoccuring due to a need for prescription glasses. These days buying eyeglasses online is affordable and easy if your have your eyeglasses prescription. Be sure to invest in an anti-glare coating!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/eye-strain-from-computer-useage-6794011.html
About the Author
Michelle Costanza Weis is a fashion stylist - turned optical specialist. Her focus is on accessories and statement pieces - like prescription eyeglasses. She is currently working for GlassesUSA.com - the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping all over the US, with the code FreeShip10.


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