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Handling Eye-Strain?

Posted by Cliff on from the relaxing-the-optic-nerves dept.

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?"

3 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. Eye drops? by BladeMelbourne · · Score: 4, Interesting

    My optometrist recommended that I use lubricating eye drops 2-3 times a day. I have only been using them for a few weeks - it's a little uncomfortable to use - however it provides decent relief for me. (Sometimes I miss my eye and get my cheek instead - lol)

    People generally blink less staring at a monitor - meaning their eyes can get dry and sore.

    My eyes feel less sore/tired after 9 hours in front of a monitor, and they dont look blood-shot. I put the eye drop applicator next to my monitor - otherwise I forget to use it.

    If you do use eye drops - check the applicator for a note about using within ~30 days of opening.

    Also ensure that your monitor's refresh rate is high - 85Hz is good for me. You might also want to try an LCD monitor - this works for some people.

  2. Re:Don't go back to incandescent by Bastian · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If your fluorescent bulbs are a problem, it's because you bought the cheapest ones you could find. Modern fluorescent light bulbs are no longer a problem for flicker, and you can even get ones that put out a warmer light that I think is even better than incandescent (it's closer to sunlight).

    If cost is a factor on buying cheap fluorescents, consider that spending 50% more on that fluorescent bulb really isn't that much considering how long they last - in fact, it's probably even cheaper in the long run since higher quality fluorescent bulbs last so much longer than the cheap ones. That aside, it's still a hell of a lot cheaper than incandescent bulbs, too.

  3. eyestrain... by Polo · · Score: 2, Interesting

    You probably have eyestrain because the muscles in your eye are constantly in a state of tension.

    This means you're probably straining to focus on a screen that's not naturally in focus.

    I would think you need reading glasses.

    Here's a good link with a very good explanation:

    http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/faqs.htm