We all know that staring at our computer screen for hours upon hours can significantly put a strain on our eyes. This is even more so a concern for those of us whose day-to-day activities revolve around our screens.
Unfortunately, staring at your computer screen for long periods at a time may cause what is commonly known as Computer Vision Syndrome or, for short, CVS. Computer Vision Syndrome occurs when eye muscles are overworked due to constant and frequent refocusing. Some symptoms of CVS may include eye strain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, as well as, blurred vision. Fortunately, however, there are some techniques you can do in order to exercise your eyes.
Try focusing your eyes on an object in the distance; then focus your eyes on an object closer in range. Repeat. Doing this for a few repetitions can help to alleviate eye strain and relax your eye muscle.
Personally, I find that closing my eyes for 10-15 seconds every 20 minutes helps lessen my eye strain.
Another way to exercise your eyes is simple: blink more. By blinking more frequently you are naturally helping to reduce dry eye.
Aside from exercising your eyes, you should also pay close attention to your computer screen itself and your work area. Reducing the glare on your screen and adjusting its brightness can definitely impact the amount of eye strain you encounter. Similarly, making sure that your monitor is positioned at an appropriate height level and that you have proper lighting can do wonders!
If you do spend most of your day in front of a computer, be sure to take ample breaks throughout the day that allow your eyes to focus on something besides your screen.
As always, if you are having significant problems with your eyes you should consult a professional and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor; it could very well be that you simply need a pair of reading glasses.
What are some tips that you have for relieving tired and strained, computer eyes? Share your thoughts; we’d love to hear from you!
Staring at the Screen Too Long? –Exercise Your Eyes!
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Palming is another method for relieving eye strain. Rub your palms together briskly for several seconds to create warmth, then cup your palms over your eyes with the fingers of one hand placed over the fingers of the other hand on your forehead. Make sure your elbows are resting on your desk, so that the weight of your head is resting on your hands. Keep your palms over your eyes for a minute or more. I’ve found this practice to also be very calming.