Computer Eye Strain Symptoms - Computer Eye Strain

Just like any muscle in your body, the longer you use or keep it one position, it will cause strain. This is also true for your eyes, especially when working on your computer. Constantly looking at the screen and working on the same activity will tire your eyes and make them uncomfortable. You might realize that you are experiencing eye strain if you have the following symptoms:

- Red, watery, irritated eyes
- Tired, aching or heavy eyelids
- Problems with focusing
- Muscle spasms of the eye or eye lid
- Headache
- Backache

You may also be experiencing eye strain if you notice that you are physically fatigued, have decreased productivity, and increased numbers of work errors.

Eyestrain not only causes annoying problems and decreases your work efficiency, but it can also lead to more serious complications with your health. Eye strain means your eyes are tired and overworked, so it can reduce your ability to focus and not allow you to see clearly. The most recommended element in dealing with eyestrain is to take frequent breaks and take your eyes off the computer screen periodically. Most doctors recommend that you take at least two five-minute breaks every hour. You should also stand up and stretch in order to help your posture and get the blood flow moving, which will help your neck and shoulders from experiencing pain and stiffness as well.

Other things that you can do to relieve eyestrain include:

- Getting a comprehensive eye exam
- Using proper lighting at your workstation
- Minimizing glare from your computer screen
- Upgrading your computer screen to an LCD, which is less strenuous on the eyes
- Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your computer screen
- Blinking more often
- Changing the tone in your focusing muscles – looking at something at a distance and things other than    your computer screen from time to time
- Adjusting your computer screen so that it is just below your eye level
- Making sure the items you are looking at in order to type are at eye level, so that you don’t strain your    muscles by moving your head up and down constantly

Take note of the way you work and make some adjustments that will keep you from suffering from the pains of eyestrain. If you think you might be experiencing eyestrain and need more information, consult your doctor in order to identify and solve any problems before they become more complicated.

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