Just like the rest of your body, taking care of your eyes is important to prevent eyestrain and more serious problems. Many people spend hours in front of the computer without a break, and don't realise this can cause eyestrain and a host of other problems, including headaches.
Grant Fisher, head of optometry at Budget eyewear says:
"Eyestrain isn't known to lead to permanent damage, but it can keep you from doing your work. The causes of eyestrain vary for each individual, but the three top causes are: inadequate workspace set-up, ineffective lighting, and lack of proper eyecare."
# Tip 1 Hold up a pencil in front of your eyes then follow it out as far as possible from your body then back in. Alternatively,
pick a wall at least a few metres away and stare momentarily at an object on the wall.
# Tip 2 Every hour or so when you have a coffee or bathroom break, close your eyes for around 5 - 10 seconds, to prevent
dry eyes.
# Tip 3 Think about increasing the text/font size of the screen and adjust the brightness on your computer monitor.
In addition, if you're experiencing black spots in front of your eyes, straining to see objects relatively close, and foggy or blurred vision in one or both eyes, visit your optometrist for an eye test. Many people who get glasses later in life leave it too long and have been straining their eyes for years before realising there is a problem.
"The best tip is to give your eyes a break! If you sit at your computer for long lengths of time, the best break your eyes can get is to focus for a few a seconds on an object that is further away in your line of vision than your computer. This will really help your eyes to relax."
Grant Fisher, Head of optometry
Budget Eyewear
Grant Fisher, head of optometry at Budget eyewear says:
"Eyestrain isn't known to lead to permanent damage, but it can keep you from doing your work. The causes of eyestrain vary for each individual, but the three top causes are: inadequate workspace set-up, ineffective lighting, and lack of proper eyecare."
# Tip 1 Hold up a pencil in front of your eyes then follow it out as far as possible from your body then back in. Alternatively,
pick a wall at least a few metres away and stare momentarily at an object on the wall.
# Tip 2 Every hour or so when you have a coffee or bathroom break, close your eyes for around 5 - 10 seconds, to prevent
dry eyes.
# Tip 3 Think about increasing the text/font size of the screen and adjust the brightness on your computer monitor.
In addition, if you're experiencing black spots in front of your eyes, straining to see objects relatively close, and foggy or blurred vision in one or both eyes, visit your optometrist for an eye test. Many people who get glasses later in life leave it too long and have been straining their eyes for years before realising there is a problem.
"The best tip is to give your eyes a break! If you sit at your computer for long lengths of time, the best break your eyes can get is to focus for a few a seconds on an object that is further away in your line of vision than your computer. This will really help your eyes to relax."
Grant Fisher, Head of optometry
Budget Eyewear