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Tips To Reduce Computer Eye Strain

By: Phoebe Tiangson Bye-Bye Computer Headaches
Nine out of ten computer users experience eye problems such as blurred vision, tired eyes, itchy eyes, or headaches. Whether a mild annoyance or a persistent on the job problem, most of us learn to live with it.

Must you, however, trade your comfort for technology?

The answer is no. There are specific steps you can take to minimize computer eye strain.

FREE and simple tip for those using Microsoft XP operating system-Given you already have an LCD screen, increasing the contrast can help the reading material stand out on the page. Here is a great tip for XP users:
• Left click on desktop
• Appearance Tab
• Effects Button
• After "use the following methods to smooth edges...", select ClearType

LCD Monitor-
One reason for eye strain during computer use is the flickering, or shimmy, of the monitor. Your eyes are constantly trying to find a focal point where there is none, thus making the eye muscles tired. A moderately priced LCD screen will fix the problem for there is little to no flicker. A couple of hundred dollars is well worth the investment, and a great resource for finding the right one for you follows: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=1745344

Melanin tinted computer glasses-
Melanin is a molecule that is in our skin for the purpose of absorbing light so that it doesn't damage underlying tissues. The melanin in computer lenses also absorbs light. Specifically, it reduces the blue and violet light from computers and fluorescent lighting that can damage your eyes. They are available in non-prescription, as well as with reading magnification at many local opticians, or online from many ready-to-wear reading glass retailers. Computer glasses run from $10 to upwards of $100. You don't need a prescription for the plano or straight forward reading magnifications, though you should have your eyes checked by an eye doctor in the case of visual discomfort and/or strain. http://www.debspecs.com/Computer_EyeGlasses_C57.cfm

Top Bifocal Computer Glasses-
Another inexpensive item that may help is glasses constructed with the reading magnification on the top portion of the lens. In the days of old, reading glasses were made so that people could peer DOWN at the text in a book, newspaper, etc. The relativity recent popularity in personal computers has changed the way we read. Now we need the magnification in the half of the lens. An optician can fit you for this purpose. Also, if you already wear over-the-counter reading glasses, there are Top Bifocal Computer Glasses that are new in the optical marketplace. Remember that you will need a lower strength than usual to help read your monitor, because it is farther away than ordinary reading material.

Remove any back light behind your computer- Many people experience photophobia. You may not be familiar with the word, but very well may know what it means; literally, fear of light, but used mostly to mean "sensitivity to light". If this is the case, you are double dosing yourself if you have a lamp behind your computer (or in front of it for that matter) that's pointing in the general direction of your face.
I hope these tips were useful for you today! They have worked wonders for me, increasing productivity and the amount of time I can spend on the computer.