Today, computers are a ubiquitous part of our lives. Computers improve our lives in countless ways, but they’ve also led to some major health problems. Along with carpal tunnel syndrome and other small joint problems, more and more computer users around the world are developing eye strain problems.
If you want to keep your good vision for years into the future, then you’ll want to learn how to limit the effects of eye strain. Keep reading to discover how to do just that!

What is computer eye strain?

Computer eye strain is a phenomenon that occurs after spending more than two consecutive hours staring at a computer screen. If computer eye strain occurs over time, it develops into a condition known as computer vision syndrome, or CVS.
The main symptoms of computer eye strain include feeling a tired, strained feeling in your eyes after spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen. According to a recent article by Time, CVS affects up to 90% of office workers.
Fortunately, the effects of computer eye strain are rarely permanent. Over the short-term, CVS can lead to redness, irritation, dryness, and a burning sensation. Some sufferers also experience dull pain throughout their upper body, although those symptoms generally occur as a result of sitting for long periods of time.

Fixing your computer eye strain problem

Here are some tips to ensure that computer eye strain doesn’t develop into a serious problem:
-Visit an optometrist regularly: When you get your eyes checked regularly, you can determine whether or not you need a new prescription. If you’re an eyeglass or contact wearer, then using a computer will be difficult if you have the wrong prescription, and your eyes will have to strain to make up the difference.
-Create a perfect viewing environment: Most computer users don’t have their computer monitor set at an optimum viewing angle. Ideally, the computer screen will be an arm’s length away from the user directly in front of the face. It should not be off to the side. In addition, make the center of the monitor slightly lower than your head (approximately 4 inches lower) to ensure that your neck isn’t constantly straining to hold your head up while you’re using the computer.
-Use light to your advantage: Even if your computer is set up at an ideal viewing angle, outside light sources might be causing a problem. To see if outside light sources are affecting your computer eye strain problem, cup your hands over your head like a baseball cap, then look at your computer to see if you feel reduced effects of eye strain. If so, then you need to change your room lighting. Try dimming the room lighting to fix your problem.
-Clean your monitor: Monitors become dusty when left over time. If you’re not cleaning your monitor on a regular basis, then you should be. Take a microfiber cloth and some eyeglass cleaning solution and use it to gently wipe down your monitor. This will help the brightness of the monitor shine through, but it will also minimize the distractions your eyes are trying to focus on.
-Blink a lot: Something as simple as blinking can significantly reduce the effects of eye strain. Blinking will protect you from developing dry eyes. If dryness is a problem in your workspace, consider buying a humidifier, which can result in a number of health benefits.
-Take frequent breaks: You shouldn’t be staring at a computer screen for more than two hours at a time regardless of how it’s positioned. Stand up, stretch, and move your neck around to prevent computer eye strain from affecting you.