Reading in dim light will ruin your eyes, right? Wrong - that's a myth, as is the idea that sitting too close to the TV screen or reading by flashlight will harm your vision. These habits won't do permanent damage to your eyes. But any close-up work, like reading, computer work or crafts, can result in eyestrain. Your eyes may feel dry, irritated, sore or tired. You may have blurred vision, a headache or a sore neck.
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| How To Strengthen Eye Sight |
Shed some light on the subject
When you're doing close-up work, make sure that you have light well directed at what you're doing. Although a 60-watt to 100-watt light bulb may be sufficient for a person with normal vision, a 150-watt or 200-watt bulb may be needed if you have macular degeneration or reduced vision from other causes. Whenever you change a bulb, make sure the light fixture can handle the wattage of the new bulb.
When reading. When you're reading, position the light source behind you and direct the light onto your page. The light should be bright but not glaring. If you're reading at a desk, use a shaded light positioned in front of you. The shade will keep light from shining in your eyes.
At the computer. When you're working at a computer, place your monitor so that the brightest light source is to the side. Check that the surrounding light is darker than the lightest part of your screen. Position adjustable lighting so that it doesn't shine into your eyes or reflect off the screen.
Glare can be a problem with monitors. The most intense glare will likely come from sources above or behind you, including fluorescent lighting or sunlight. If possible turn off some or all of the overhead lights. Tilting the monitor downward a little, using a glare screen or closing the blinds also may help.
When watching television. Don't totally darken the room when you're watching TV. Instead keep the room softly illuminated. Too great a contrast between the screen and the surrounding area can result in eyestrain.
Combat computer eyestrain
Like many computer users, when you're seated in front of a monitor all day, you may experience eyestrain. Beyond the common symptoms, you may have difficulty shifting your focus between the monitor and the documents on your desk, you may see color fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitor, and you may have an increased sensitivity to light. Although these symptoms can be unpleasant and disruptive, they won't have long-term consequences. You can relieve or avoid computer eyestrain by changing your work habits and rearranging your workstation and equipment.
Take eye breaks. Look away from the screen and at an object several feet away for 10 seconds every 10 minutes. Or look up from what you're doing and simply let your eyes unfocus. If possible lean back occasionally and close your eyes for a few moments.
Change the pace. Try to move around at least once every 2 hours, giving both your eyes and your body a needed rest. Consider standing while doing noncomputer work.
Blink! Many people blink less than normal when working at the computer. Less blinking means less lubrication from tears, resulting in dry, irritated eyes. Consider using artificial tear drops if you work at a computer for extended periods.
Sit up. Good posture will help prevent muscle soreness in the neck and back.
Adjust your monitor. Position your monitor 20 to 30 inches from your eyes, about an arm's length away. If you find yourself leaning forward to read small type, change to a larger type size or change the page view by zooming in, increasing its actual size.
The top of your screen should be at or below eye level so that you look down slightly at your work. Keep your screen clean. Dust cuts down on contrast and may contribute to glare.
Adjust your keyboard. Put your keyboard directly in front of the monitor. If the keyboard is at an angle or to the side, your eyes may tire from having to constantly move and refocus.
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| How To Strengthen Eye Sight |
Position reference materials properly. Place books or papers on a copy stand beside your monitor at approximately the same angle and distance away as the monitor.
Wear appropriate glasses, if necessary. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure the correction is right for computer work. You may need trifocal or progressive lenses to see the screen clearly. Most lenses are fitted for reading print, which you do at a closer distance than the position of your monitor. To find out more, you can check out How To Strengthen Eye Sight.