Healthy Computing: Clear Vision

© Erik Peper Ph.D.

Optimize your performance and prevent computer-related injuries with Healthy Computing Email Tips. Each week we provide hints to help you stay healthier while working. After working at the computer, do your eyes feel tired and irritated? Approximately 33 to 37 percent of people experience eye irritation such as, itching, burning, dry eyes or difficulty focusing on the distant objects after computer work. Look to your health and increase CLEAR VISION. HOW TO INCREASE CLEAR VISION: Blink frequently when looking (or is it staring?) at the monitor. This helps because our blinking rate decreases approximately 70% when concentrating versus when we are relaxed. Remember to blink at the end of every paragraph or with every mouse click. Adjust the top of the monitor screen so that it is equal to or lower than your eyebrows. When looking straight ahead or upward at the monitor, our eyes tear less and the corneal surface dries. When looking slightly down, our eyelids will usually sweep down the whole eyeball when blinking, which moistens the cornea instead of only the upper eyeball. Look out a window (if possible) at a distant tree or lawn when taking a break, when talking on the telephone or when thinking about a task. Green is a soothing color for our eyes. If you don't have access to a window, decorate your work area with green plants that you can look at during your vision breaks. Adjust and correct other factors that influence vision such as glare, reflections and wearing the correct prescription glasses. Healthy Computing: Clear Vision