Eyestrain is the number one
complaint in office jobs, but there are many things workers
and employers can do
to reduce these symptoms. The best
solution is number 1 below—see an eye doctor using the PRIO Vision
Tester, and get a pair of eyeglasses specifically to wear when you use
the computer.
If any of the following conditions exist, they
may increase your risk of eyestrain:
Here are nine additional tips for ways to
reduce eyestrain. 
1. GET AN EYE EXAM!
This is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat computer vision
problems.
According to the National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), computer users should have an eye exam
before they start working on a computer and once per year thereafter.
2. USE PROPER LIGHTING
In your office you are likely to find several
things that can cause eyestrain, including glare on walls and finished
surfaces, reflections on the computer screen itself, excessively bright
light coming in from
outside, and excessively bright light inside
Eliminate exterior light and reflections by closing
drapes or blinds.
When using computers, lighting should be about
half that used in most offices. Reduce lighting by using fewer light
bulbs or florescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes.
3. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS
Full time computer users should take a 10-minute break every hour to reduce
eyestrain problems according to experts. Part-time users should take frequent
breaks, after sitting in front of their display for more than a hour.
4. REFOCUS YOUR EYES
Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for 5-10
seconds on a distant object outside or down the hallway. This prevents the
fixed gaze common among computer users. It also lets you blink, which wets
your eyes.
5. BLINK MORE OFTEN
When staring at a computer, people blink less frequently—about 5 times
less than normal, according to studies. Tears coating the eye evaporate more
rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Office buildings
may have excessively dry environments that also reduce tearing. For significant
problems, ask your eye doctor about artificial tears or eye drops that you
can use during the day.
6. MODIFY YOUR WORKSTATION
If you need to look back and forth between the printed or written page and
the computer, this can cause eyestrain. Place written pages on a copy stand
adjacent to the monitor. Properly light the copy stand. Adjust your workstation
and chair to the correct height. Purchase ergonomic furniture to assure proper
screen locations and posture.
7. MATCH THE COMPUTER
SCREEN TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Closely match the brightness of the environment with that of the computer screen.
The contrast between the background and on-screen characters should be high.
8. MINIMIZE GLARE
Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block out excessive sunlight, or install
an anti-glare screen, to minimize reflections on the screen itself. Reduce
the internal ambient light if necessary. For conditions where outside light
cannot be reduced, use a computer hood to cut glare and reflection. Have
an Anti-Reflective coating applied to your glasses. This will prevent glare
and reflections on the back side of your lenses form reaching your eyes.
9. EXERCISE EVEN WHEN
SITTING
Anyone in a sedentary job, especially those using computers, should also stand
up, move about, or exercise frequently. NIOSH recommends several sitting, stretching,
and joint rotating exercises for computer users. (See "Sources" in sidebar
and below.)
Computer Vision Care Resources:
Sources:
"Dry Eye at VDTs," James E. Sheedy, O.D., PhD., Eyecare Technology, Fall
1994, pp. 52, 79.
"A Review of Physical Exercises Recommended for VDT Operators," Applied
Ergonomics, Vol. 23, No. 6, December 1992.
Zap! How Your Computer Can Hurt You and
What You Can Do About It," Don Sellers, Peachpit Press, 1994.
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