Protecting Your Eyes From Your Computer

Whether you are the boss or you are trying to impress the boss or you work from home, you are probably spending considerable time in front of a computer screen. The thing is, constant staring at a computer screen can be detrimental to one’s physical wellbeing, causing problems such as:

• Eyestrain
• Blurred vision
• Dry Eyes
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Sound familiar? Here are some tips to keep those things from happening:

• Position your computer so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor.
• Avoid glare on your computer by facing your screen away from windows and lights.
• Choose a comfortable chair that is positioned so that your feet are flat on the floor.
• Remember to blink.
• Use the 20/20/20 rule: look away from your screen at least every 20 minutes, 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Schedule some alternate tasks every two hours that take you away from your screen.

For Reading Glasses Wearers

If you wear Reading Glasses, try Cheaters Computer Readers that have progressive lenses, transitioning from a stronger power at the bottom to a weaker power at the top. That progression allows you to clearly see the documents in front of you through the lower part of the lens. The longer distance of the computer screen requires less magnification, which you view through the top of the lens. An additional option for the Computer Readers is A/R coating, which some prefer to help reduce glare, depending on your environment.

Wear Sunglasses

Too much UV exposure can make you more susceptible to cataracts or even macular degeneration. So it is very important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, even in the winter. Choose polarized sunglasses that will block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses will also reduce glare while driving.

Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

This is very important, even for children, because eye exams can bring to light some diseases that have no symptoms and early diagnosis allows the best treatment.

Sources: National Eye Institute, “Eye Health Tips,” “Finding the Right Eye Protection.” American Optrometric Association: “Good Vision Throughout Your Life.”