I recently started a new job where sitting at a computer screen for hours is the norm. As time progressed, I seriously felt the retinas in my eyes burning –okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. However, I often find myself, head in hand, trying to figure out ways to divert my attention away from the screen. It reminds me of the neon bug zappers – every time I meet the computer’s gaze … ‘zap!’ my once-perfect sight loses more strength.
Even after trying all sorts of measures like dimming the brightness of my screens – and even wearing sunglasses in hopes to lessen the destruction – I was at a standstill. I literally felt nauseous, severe headaches, and dizzy when I would drive home. I wondered if I would be able to power through the pain, and the fear of my eyes slowly growing weaker was not exciting.
All of this because of a computer screen? I was reminded of the scene from The Office when Michael tries to convey that office safety is comparable to warehouse safety. Yeah, I know it’s no baler, but a computer packs its own punch and extreme dangers. Thanks, Michael!
With fear of being jobless in this questionable economy, I was clueless. I began researching (of course, on the internet – a double-edged sword) eye safety and ways to prevent harm to my eyes. I found a multitude of resources on several websites, to help remove the strain from the computer.
I am not fearful of wearing glasses, and I am long past the age of being called a four-eyed monster. I just prefer to not deal with the hassle of them. As well as, I like to maintain a healthy stature including eye safety.
After reading through the various tips about preventive measures and ways to implement eye safety, I feel like my fate will fare well. Although I think I’m avoiding glasses for now, I realize they’re probably inevitable in my distant future. I’ve practiced some of the preventative measures and have already seen results. Here’s what’s worked for me so far:
(Guest Post by Bethany Smith)
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Even after trying all sorts of measures like dimming the brightness of my screens – and even wearing sunglasses in hopes to lessen the destruction – I was at a standstill. I literally felt nauseous, severe headaches, and dizzy when I would drive home. I wondered if I would be able to power through the pain, and the fear of my eyes slowly growing weaker was not exciting.
All of this because of a computer screen? I was reminded of the scene from The Office when Michael tries to convey that office safety is comparable to warehouse safety. Yeah, I know it’s no baler, but a computer packs its own punch and extreme dangers. Thanks, Michael!
With fear of being jobless in this questionable economy, I was clueless. I began researching (of course, on the internet – a double-edged sword) eye safety and ways to prevent harm to my eyes. I found a multitude of resources on several websites, to help remove the strain from the computer.
I am not fearful of wearing glasses, and I am long past the age of being called a four-eyed monster. I just prefer to not deal with the hassle of them. As well as, I like to maintain a healthy stature including eye safety.
After reading through the various tips about preventive measures and ways to implement eye safety, I feel like my fate will fare well. Although I think I’m avoiding glasses for now, I realize they’re probably inevitable in my distant future. I’ve practiced some of the preventative measures and have already seen results. Here’s what’s worked for me so far:
- Minimizing the glare.
- Making myself blink. Sounds silly, but I try to consciously force myself to divert my eyes and blink for a few seconds. Just in case I forget, I have eye drops on hand.
- Taking frequent breaks. (To be honest, this is not just for eye safety!)
- Dusting the screen often. I had no idea this affected my vision!
- Increasing the font size to decrease strain.
- I moved my monitors back and slightly below my focus.
- Rub my hands together and press my cupped palms on my closed lids. I don’t always any light in and focus on the darkness for a minute.
- Close my eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds.
- Roll my eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise.
- Focus on a distant object for about 10 seconds.
- Look at the front opposite wall and pretend to write letters with your eyes.
- Make up and down eye movements and then left to right movements.
- Repeat the first step to relax the eyes.
(Guest Post by Bethany Smith)
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