Eyestrain from Computer Use

Persons who use computers at work and/or at home may notice eyestrain.

Signs & Symptoms

• Eye discomfort or irritation. This includes dry, red, and/or watery eyes.
• Eye fatigue
• Having a hard time focusing
• Back pain, shoulder pain, and headaches may also occur.

Causes

The cause of eyestrain is frequently from focusing on a screen for long periods, improper positioning of the screen, poor lighting, and/or poor posture.

A pre-existing eye problem may also be the cause.

Treatment

Self-care measures prevent and treat eyestrain when using computers.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Place the screen so that your line of sight is 10 to 15 degrees (about one-third of a 45-degree angle) below horizontal.
• Position the monitor about 2 feet away from your eyes. This is a little farther away than normal reading distance.
• Dust the screen often.
• Reduce glare. Place the monitor at right angles to a window. Turn off or shield overhead lights. Wear a visor to block them, if needed.
• Place your paperwork close enough that you don’t have to keep refocusing when switching from the screen to the paper. Use a paper document holder placed at the same height as the screen.
• Blink often to keep your eyes from getting dry. Use “artificial tear” eyedrops, if needed.
• Tell your eye specialist that you use a computer. With bifocals, the near-vision part of the lens is good for looking down, as when you read, but not for looking straight ahead, as when you look at a monitor. You may need single-vision lenses for computer work.
• If the image on the screen is blurred, dull, or flickers, have it serviced right away.