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Handling Eye-Strain?
mathgenius asks: "Usually I have no problems with this, but I've noticed again, as the stress levels increase I become more susceptible to eye-strain. I've reduced the contrast on my monitor, changed Mozilla to grey background, and enlarged my text. I am considering moving my desk to the window next, so that I am more likely to relax looking at a distance. Do people here have these problems? What have you found to help with eye-strain?"
It's important to reduce the glare on your monitor. Moving your monitor near the window may actually be increasing the amount of strain that you are experiencing if the amount of glare has been increased. Ideally, you'll want to have the monitor at a 90 deg angle to the window if there is a significant amount of light coming through the window. Almost the worst is facing the window and the screen dead on (if there is too much light coming in the window). Being able to focus on something more than 15 feet away is a good thing though.
Reducing the light level in your work area is also important. Either reduce the overhead lights, turn them off, or pull the shades slightly.
Using more contrast may help. A gray background may actually increase eye strain because there is less contrast. But, your mileage may vary here. Key thing is to use a combination of colors that is easier to see. For example, yellow on gray is a terrible choice. Black on white tends to be among the best for text. Do use a subdued, simple background for your desktop.
Finally, seeing an Optometrist or Opthamologist can help since they can prescribe special computer glasses for you.