Ways to reduce computer eyestrain - Behavioural Optometrist Brisbane

These days many of us spend several hours of each working day staring at a computer screen.  Concentrated focus on a close object for extended periods fatigues the muscles of your eyes and face. This may result in eye strain symptoms such as headache, discomfort in the eye area and blurred vision. To reduce computer eye strain, take some time to set up a safe and comfortable workspace and adopt working habits that help to keep your eyes healthy.

Poor lighting in your workspace tires eye muscles: if the level of lighting is wrong for you, your eyes will struggle to focus and glare will irritate sensitive eyes. Eliminate glare from sunlight with shade blinds on windows and modify background lighting by changing to lower-wattage light sources. Adjust the angle of the computer screen so that overhead lighting or sunlight is not reflected back off the computer screen into your eyes.

Close viewing is harder work for the eyes than distant viewing. Using a computer involves intense concentration for prolonged periods on a fixed object that is fairly close to the eyes. Give your eyes a break at regular intervals by shifting your focus from the screen, to gaze at a distant object.

Blinking helps to keep eyes lubricated and healthy, but while using a computer we tend to blink less. Working in an air conditioned room also dries out the eyes’ tear film. When your computer screen is positioned straight ahead you tend to focus on it with eyelids wide open, so that more of your eye surface is exposed to dry air. To maintain healthy eye hydration, place the computer monitor 5-15 degrees below eye level, so that you’re looking slightly down at the screen rather than straight ahead, and get into the habit of rolling your eyes and blinking now and then to refresh the tear film. 

Improving your working environment and adapting your working habits should help to reduce computer eyestrain, so if you continue to have eye discomfort and headaches despite following these practical self-help tips, it’s time to consult an eyesight professional. Brisbane eye specialists are able to carry out full eye exams to help determine the reason for your symptoms and can prescribe glasses or contact lenses to correct any visual defects.

A behavioural optometrist takes a holistic approach to eye care and offers much more than visual aids; therapy may include a course of exercises to manage your eye strain by strengthening eye muscles and improving visual focusing.