Skip to main content

Shifting Images: Reduce Eye Strain

I have resisted wearing glasses much of my life. Yes, I know I am getting older, and my eye sight will change. I finally have resorted to "arm stretchers" (reading glasses) for my book work.  I also realized that spending a considerable amount of time on the computer will cause additional eye strain. Looking at the computer screen for long periods of time can cause your eyes muscles to tire and become over-used. There are a number of things you can do to reduce "computer related eye strain" (CRES) or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

  1.  Take a break every 20 minutes and look away from the computer screen and into the distance, out the window, for example.  (Consider Workrave to remind you.)
  2. Your computer monitor should be 20 to 24 inches from your eyes.  [I just measured mine.. exactly 24 inches!]
  3. Older CRT computer screens are harder on the eyes and contribute to eye strain. Consider upgrading to an LCD screen with anti-glare.   If you use a CRT at work, set the set the display settings to the highest possible refresh rate. LCD screens don't flicker like CRT screens, so the lower refresh rate is not a problem with LCD.
  4.  Yes, you can adjust the text size on your computer.  (CTRL/+ to increase the text on most browsers.)
  5.  You might consider a pair of "computer glasses".  They aren't cheap but a great help in reducing eye strain headaches.
  6. Be sure to blink.. alot!  Studies show that people that are on the computer tend to blink less than normal leading to dry eye issues.
  7.  Walk away!  Take regular breaks from the computer will reduce muscular issues in your eyes, shoulders and back.
  8. Be sure to have regular eye exams and discuss your computer use with your optometrist.
Be proactive in protecting your eyesight and reducing or eliminating serious side effects that come from eye strain. ☺

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Funny Little Characters

Ever wonder how to make those cute facebook symbols such as musical notes and hearts on your PC? You can add them to your documents, emails and more if you know the secret. These are special character codes. Although there are different ways to create these, this is a fairly easy keyboard shortcut to what is called the "character map" on your computer. [You can find the character map by clicking on the Microsoft start menu button and typing in "Character Map".] If you’re on a laptop make sure you ‘Num Lock’ is on! The ‘Num Lock’ button is on the top right of your keyboard. Next, hold down ‘alt’ (the one in the bottom left of your keyboard or on either side of the space bar) and type the following on the numeric keyboard (not the top row of numbers): Hold ‘alt’ then type 1 – ☺ Hold ‘alt’ then type 2 – ☻ Hold ‘alt’ then type 3 – ♥ Hold ‘alt’ then type 4 – ♦ Hold ‘alt’ then type 5 – ♣ Hold ‘alt’ then type 6 – ♠ Hold ‘alt’ then type 7 – • Hold ‘alt...

The New Visual Network: Pinterest

This new up and rising website star has no visible means of support, contains millions of pictures and receives visits from 10 million people in the U.S. each month. It was listed as one of the The 50 Best Websites of 2011 by Time Magazine.  It has received some impressive free media exposure with Reese Witherspoon stating it has "a collection of the most amazing, wonderful craftiness on the earth!" So what is Pinterest?  It has been called a visual bulletin board for the Web. People post images of what they love:  food, clothing, crafts, books, movies, decorating, travel, photography, videos.. you name it, it's there. Images are called "Pins" and they can be uploaded or with a small application added to your browser, from websites.  Once something in "pinned" on Pinterest, you can "Repin" to add it your board.  Many of the pins are linked to their original location on the web ( to double click on the full size image), so instructions ...

Clean Up Your Notifications

  OK.  On any giving day I used to get hundreds of email notifications. Why do I need so many? I don't, really.  I am on many of the social networks daily.  But it takes time to change all those different sites.. or does it. I was browsing on Pinterest (feel free to follow me!) and I found this really cool tech website. It is worth sharing! You can modify your notifications with the click of a button on the website. Simple, convenient and amazing. Drop on by http://notificationcontrol.com and reduce your email overload!☺