When you are working in front of a computer, your eyes will constantly focus and refocus. When you read the text on the screen, your eyes move back and forth. Usually, you have to view other documents while you are working, and switch your sights between that document and the computer screen. When you do this, your eyes react to the constantly changing images on the screen, so your brain can process anything you see with your eyes. These tasks will put a lot of pressure on your eye muscles. The flicker, glare, and contrast of the computer screen make the situation worse. Here we will know what are the symptoms of computer vision sydrome and 12 tips to fight computer vision syndrome.
If you already have eye problems, you may face more problems. As you get older, it becomes difficult to work in front of a computer screen because the lenses in your eyes begin to lose flexibility. After about 40 years, your eyes’ ability to focus on near and far objects will begin to weaken.
Pay attention to these symptoms to see if you have computer vision syndrome:
Blurred vision, double vision, dry eyes, itching and irritation, increased light sensitivity, strain and fatigue in the eyes, red eyes, difficulty concentrating, gradual loss of vision, headache, back pain, neck pain, difficulty shifting focus from the display to any other object.
Here are some tips for treating computer vision syndrome:
1. Get your eyes checked
The first thing to do-if you experience any symptoms, get your eyes thoroughly examined. It’s the most important thing you need to do first.
2. Do not keep the computer monitor near the window
When working on a computer, extra light and glare are the biggest sources of eye fatigue. Ideally, the computer should not be near the window, but if it is still there, make sure that there are curtains and blinds on the window to control the light intensity throughout the day.
3. Adjust the height of the monitor
Place the center of the computer screen about 5 to 9 inches below the horizontal line of sight to maximize eye comfort. Ideally, you should look at the top of the computer screen in a straight line of sight.
4. Adjust your computer’s display
It’s very important to minimize eye fatigue and strain. Modify the display settings of your monitor. This will help reduce eye strain and fatigue. Besides, change the brightness of the monitor so that the brightness of your monitor is the same as the brightness of the surrounding workstations.
5. Rearrange your desk
The best position for the monitor is slightly below the eye level, about 20 to 28 inches from your face. It must be at a distance where you don’t have to strain your eyes or stretch your neck to see the content on the screen.
6. Consider color temperature
The color temperature of the display is very important. The shorter wavelengths of blue light in the visible spectrum can cause more eye fatigue than longer-wavelength colors such as red and orange. Reduce the color temperature of the display. This will reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the monitor, allowing you to watch comfortably.
7. Give your eyes the rest they deserve
The eyes cannot look at closer distances for a long time. Give them a break. You can follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break every 20 minutes and observe anything that is at least 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. When you do this, move your eyes to look at different objects at different distances.
8. Blink, blink, blink again
Unfortunately, we often forget to blink when we look at the computer screen. What most of us do is partially close the lid or blink less frequently. Blinking can moisturize our eyes and help prevent dryness and irritation. Try to blink slowly, just like when you fall asleep. Do this 10 times. This may help moisturize your eyes.
9. Use computer glasses
Prescription glasses designed for computer work can help you focus on the screen better. In addition, this helps reduce glare and computer eye fatigue. If you use glasses, please consult your doctor and customize them. If you wear contact lenses, continuous use may become dry and uncomfortable. In this case, it is best to buy customized glasses for computer work. This is also good for people who wear bifocals or progressive lenses. Since these lenses are not optimal for the distance to the computer screen, using computer glasses is a good choice.
10. Don’t forget your vitamins
If you have eye health problems, your doctor may prescribe you some essential vitamins. Don’t forget to have them. Eat foods rich in vitamin A. This is important for healthy eyesight, which can strengthen the macular tissue in the eye, thereby keeping the vision clear and sharp. Foods rich in vitamin A include cheese, egg yolks, milk, and butter.
11. Reduce glare
Glare on walls and finished surfaces, as well as reflections on computer screens, can also cause eye fatigue. Install an anti-glare screen on your monitor. Consider painting the walls in darker colors or cooler tones in matte finishes. You can use glasses with anti-reflective coating lenses. This also helps reduce glare.
12. Keep digital equipment away from eyes
Compared to reading a book or any other printed material, people who have a digital device close to their eyes are more likely to strain their eyes. Digital devices emit blue light, causing eye fatigue, and when you bring them closer, it will put more pressure on your eyes. Therefore, whenever you use a smartphone or tablet, please try to keep them away from your eyes. You can try to enlarge the print to make it easier to read.
