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Tired Eyes


I just realized that I am practically in front of the computer almost 12 hours a day. Good thing my migraine doesn’t come often, yet. But I do feel that my eyes ‘get heavy’ at night and I really think it’s because of the prolonged exposure to the radiation coming out from my monitor screen.

Here’s a post regarding this common problem I am sure most of us have experienced even for once.

Eye strain or asthenopia is an eye condition that manifests itself as eye fatigue, red eyes, eye strain, pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache and occasional double vision. Symptoms often occur after reading, computer work, or other activities that involve tedious visual tasks. When concentrating on a visually intense task, such as continuously focusing on a book or computer monitor, the inner eye muscles may tighten, causing the eyes to get strained.

With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day, it comes to no surprise that we sometimes suffer from this condition. Here are some helpful tips to avoid it.

1. Correctly position your computer monitor and keyboard. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.

2. Make sure that your room lighting is diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your color, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.

3. Ask your optometrist about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot. Anti-reflective coatings can be applied on the lenses of your glasses to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as fluorescent lights.

4. Follow the 20-20-20 rule
A. After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.
B. Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.
C. Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.

5. Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we’re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!

6. Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.

7. During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.

8. Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

9. Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.


REFERENCES:
http://www.funonthenet.in/articles/tips-on-eye-care.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_strain
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