If your job requires you to spend hours each day in front of a computer screen, you have likely experienced the symptoms of computer eye strain including dry, irritated eyes, headaches, and dizziness. Unfortunately, when completing your job responsibilities requires a computer, you sometimes cannot escape eye strain, as obviously the solution is not as simple as reducing time spent staring at a screen! Fortunately, there are other actions you can take to reduce strain.

Practice resting and relaxing your eyes. Your body needs to rest and relax to stay healthy and strong, and your eyes are no different. Throughout the day, give your eyes a chance to relax, even if it is just for a few minutes at a time. In general, it is good to practice the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look at a spot in your office that is 20 feet away. This is a very quick activity, but it can break up otherwise long hours of looking at nothing but your screen.

Be aware of your blinking. We blink 15 to 20 times a minute—that is a lot. However, if you are staring intently at your screen, you may forget to blink naturally. Try to be aware of your blinking and make sure you blink frequently.

Scan the room. Whenever you feel discomfort or strain, take a few minutes to scan your office. Look from the floor to the ceiling, from one corner to another. This will vary your focus and relieve some of the strain you are experiencing.

Adjust the light. Simple changes in office lighting can greatly relieve eye strain. For starters, turn off those overhead fluorescent lights if you can. Fluorescent lighting is much stronger than traditional bulbs, and produces much more light than is adequate for a computer workstation. You will feel relief if you turn off the bright fluorescent lights and opt instead for soft lighting.

Take a break. If your job allows, take a quick break. Go outside or walk around the halls of your office building. Give your eyes a break from the screen.

If you have questions or concerns about eye strain, contact the team at LASIK Vision Centers of Cleveland. Call today!