Computer Users Suffer From Screen Fatigue (Oct 05)

90% of Computer Users Suffer From Screen Fatigue

Are you among the 63% of us who admit to regularly leaving work with a terrible headache, or the 53 % who suffer from tired or strained eyes?

Despite suffering from blinding headaches, eyestrain, problems with close-up and long-distance vision, one in ten adults say they have never visited an optician, according to a recent survey conducted by The Eyecare Trust.

Iain Anderson, Chairman of the Eyecare Trust said: “As computer use in the workplace and the home continues to rise so do the number of people complaining of eyestrain. It's vital that computer users visit their optometrist for regular eye examinations and follow a healthy eyecare regime".

The survey also revealed that 'workaholics' spend a staggering 35 solid hours a week sitting in front of their computer screens, without any thought of adjusting their seats, computer screens or posture for better comfort. No less than 40 per cent remain unaware that they can claim a free eye examination from their employer if they regularly use a computer monitor at work.

Ten tips to minimise computer discomfort

Some simple pointers to get you started to address the problem:

Adjust your seated position so that your neck is comfortable (should be upright with weight of head over your shoulders).
Locate your monitor screen about 40 to 75 cm from your eyes for a standard size screen (further for larger monitors). Keep your screen and keyboard in line with you.
Top of screen should be 5-15° below horizontal eye level for non-touch typists and for touch-typists level with the eyes (visible part of the screen).
Take suitable breaks (20 second breaks every 10-15 minutes of computer use).
Exercise your eyes during these breaks by looking far away, mid and close distance (repeating 10-20 times).
Encourage eye blinking by clenching eyes tightly and releasing (x10) every morning, afternoon and evening.
Place documents holders close to the screen (touch typist) or in between keyboard and screen if non touch typist.
Fonts should be adjusted for size and clarity at the preferred viewing distance.
You should not sit facing, or sit with your back to the window – ideally position at right angles to window. To avoid overhead glare or reflections keep screen front vertical and not tilted up.
Keep your screen clean of fingerprints and dust. Do not use screen filters until you have tried all other means to eliminate glare or reflections