Eye Care Council, Inc.

SEE TO WORK^® Links

Computer Eye Strain

With the increased productivity that comes with computers, many Americans are experiencing headaches, blurry or double vision, and burning eyes. Eye fatigue, eye irritation, excessive tearing, dry eye and frequent blinking may also be related to computer use.

To help relieve these symptoms, the American Optometric Association recommends that you should:

Take regular breaks.
Position the top of the monitor just below a level horizontal with your eyes. Tilt the top of the screen away from you at a 10- to 20-degree angle.
Try to match the brightness of your surroundings to that of your monitor screen.
Minimize glare on your screen with window treatments, dimmer switches on lights, anti-glare screens or by changing screen position.
Adjust your chair so your feet are flat on the floor, your back is snug against the seat to fit the curve of your back, and your wrist and hand extend almost straight from the elbow to the keyboard.
Locate your screen between 20" and 26" away from your eyes, depending on the size of the monitor and individual vision conditions.
If you wear glasses, consult your eye care professional about anti-reflective lenses, special bifocal lenses and other options unique to computer users.

These guidelines will help you work more efficiently while reducing strain on your eyes. Remember, these guidelines apply to children too.