Take a Break

Many of us get so engrossed in answering e-mails, working on spreadsheets or writing memos that we forget to take a break away from our computer. The National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggest giving your eyes several 5-minute computer breaks throughout the day rather than 2 fifteen-minute breaks. Another suggestion has been to implement the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes look at an object that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Switch from Contacts to Glasses

There’s no doubt that some people consider contacts a more attractive eyewear alternative than glasses. But contact lens wearers usually blink far less than if they wore glasses, resulting in drier, more irritated eyes. Temporarily trade in vanity for comfort by switching from contacts to glasses if you’ll be using your computer for extended periods of time.

Get a Pair of Computer Glasses

Consider getting a pair for use specifically when you’re using the computer. Why? Glasses and contacts meant for general wear weren’t designed for close-up work in front of a computer screen. This is especially true of bifocals and progressive lenses. Do your eyes a favor and pass on the drugstore specs; instead, speak with your eye care professional about getting prescription glasses designed just for when you are at the computer.  If you must purchase your glasses at the drug store, stand back the distance your computer screen would be from your eyes and buy a pair with that magnification (reading glasses are used for close up reading and will give you a headache if you use them consistently for computer work).

Get an Eye Exam

Eyestrain may have more to do with your vision than your computer. Schedule an appointment with your eye care professional to have a thorough eye exam. And if you already wear glasses, guess what? Eye specialists at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that almost 71 percent of CVS sufferers wear contact lenses or glasses. Its important to let your physician or eye care professional know exactly whats going on if youre having any vision problems.

Blink More Often

Blinking keeps your eyes moist and comfortable and removes irritants like dust and debris. But when we concentrate for long hours in front of a computer, the number of times we blink dramatically decreases. Studies have shown that we blink five times less often when we’re sitting in front of our computers than when we’re involved in other activities. If you are going to be staring at a computer monitor for long periods of time, youll need to remind yourself to blink more frequently.

Use Proper Lighting

Eyestrain and headaches can present themselves if your workspace lighting is inadequate, too bright or causing glare. Consider a desk lamp if ambient lighting is too dim or turn off some of the lights if your workstation is too bright. The Mayo Clinic recommends shutting off your monitor to see if the glare is reflected off your screen. If glare is the problem, inexpensive glare screens sold at most office supply stores can do the trick.

If you’re sensitive to fluorescent lighting, see if you can switch out the bulbs to something more natural, or turn them off completely and opt for desk lamps instead. Proper lighting also includes taking your monitor’s light display into consideration. Test different brightness, contrast and color options to see if any provide you with a greater level of comfort. Remember that while eyestrain can be annoying, its effects usually disappear once your eyes are well rested. Keep in mind that theres no need to put up with CVS discomfort. If you are experiencing any signs of CVS its imperative that you speak with an eye care professional who can help keep you vision in tip-top shape.

Brady Phillips is an eyewear consultant, specializing in contact lenses and he is especially intrigued with the new research for toric contact lenses worn for astigmatism.

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