Getting A Respite From Computer Vision Syndrome: Three Principles

In this century, the computer is your new best friend. With it, you can do a mound of tasks with great ease and convenience, without you having to leave your comfort zone be it for work, study, to make purchases and to communicate. The list goes on actually. You and your new best friend are in control.

Before you think that everything's dandy, you might want to keep some things in check though. Is spending too much time with your new best friend making your eyes dry, stingy or watery? Is it blurring your vision and causing you headaches and neck pains? If you answered yes, chances are that you're one of the many computer users suffering from computer vision syndrome.

Here are some good news. You can deal with the condition without having to say bye-bye to your new best friend. Enjoy a respite from computer vision syndrome by observing these three principles.

• Balance. While the ratio between your waking hours and sleeping hours is not necessarily 1:1, indulge in rest as much as you indulge in work and play. Pause every 15 to 20 minutes from your work or your PC game to rewet your eyes. Don't forget to blink often.

• Contrast. Learn when to play this down or up for your eyes.

1. Lessen the contrast between your computer screen and your work space. Monochromatic tones exude a peaceful ambience and allow your eyes to gracefully shift from one area to another. Balance the lighting of your screen to blend with the lighting of your work space, like your walls, for instance. Neither light source must dominate. Do this before trying out your self-help eye exercises.

2. Increase the contrast between the background and the text on your work screen. Monochromatic tones provide less contrast and make you strain your eyes (and neck) just to figure out what's on the computer screen. Aid your eye (and yourself) in focusing on the job. Dark texts always stand out against a light colored background.

• Space. When it comes to eye care, observing space comes with the understanding that the computer is your new best friend, not your lover.

1. Maintain a professional working distance. The actual distance varies from person to person, but a number of sources concur that at least 20 inches away from the computer is ideal and healthier for your eyes.

2. It's okay to stare. If you must focus on something, avoid exhausting your eyes. Minimize eyeball shifting by keeping proximate the office accessories that you need in tandem with your computer work. For instance, if you're into data entry, keep your notes and clipboard close to the monitor. You might even want to work on your touch typing skills.

3. Go ahead; it's alright to make your eyes wander once in a while. You're not only giving your eyes some time to rest but also an opportunity to boost eye flexibility. Check out new things and new faces, or let your eyes rest on the greenery right outside your window.

The discomforts associated with computer vision syndrome may just be a small price to pay for the comfort and convenience brought about by computers. Keep your new best friend, but take care of your eyes. You need both.