Computer Eye Strain: How to Relieve It

With the correct eye care program that includes eye exercises, and proper diet and supplementation, you can significantly effect and even improve your vision.

More than half of computer users experience eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms related to sustained use of the computer. This type of stress on the visual system can also cause body fatigue and reduced efficiency at work. In addition, there are now indications that heavy computer users are at risk for glaucoma.

Many symptoms are alleviated by adjusting workstation and posture, and using glasses with the focus at about 20" rather than a reading-a-book distance. There are also special anti-glare screens, eye exercises and nutritional supplementation. Now with all sorts of mobile devises we are online more than ever.

Computer Stress Checklist:

The following nutritional supplements & self-help points are helpful.

You can watch our short video demonstration

Palming

The palming exercise will teach you to relax your eyes, which in turn will bring healthy energy to your eyes.

• First, rub your hands together until they feel warm (about 15 to 20 seconds). Then place your cupped hands over your closed eyes, being careful not to touch your eyes with the palms of your hands. The fingers of each hand should overlap and rest gently on the center of your forehead. Don't create any unnecessary pressure on your face. If your arms get tired, rest your elbows on a table.
• Sit quietly for one to two minutes with your hands over your eyes. The more relaxed you become, the blacker the darkness you will see with your eyes closed.

Near-far focus

This exercise improves eye flexibility:

• Hold your thumb six inches from your nose.
• Focus on your thumb.
• Take one deep breath and exhale slowly.
• Then focus on an object about 10 feet away.
• Take another deep breath and slowly exhale.
• Repeat back and forth 15 times

Scanning

This exercise helps you increase the flexibility of your eyes.

• Sitting or standing at one end of a room, let your eyes scan around the edges of objects in the room - clocks, televisions, doors, lights, computers, etc.
• The object of this exercise is to keep your eyes moving in a loose and fluid way.
• Do this exercise for two minutes.
• Remember to breathe.

Hydrotherapy

• Place a bowl of hot water and a bowl of cold water in front of you. The hot water should be hot but not so hot that it burns you. The cold water should be ice cold, so either put ice cubes in it or get it out of the refrigerator.
• Put a wash cloth in each bowl.
• Place the wash cloth from the bowl of hot water against your closed eyes for 30 seconds.
• Then do the same with the wash cloth from the bowl of cold water.
• Continue to alternate the hot and cold wash cloths.
• Finish by gently massaging your closed eyes with a dry towel.
• Do this for two minutes.

Head Rolls

This exercise is to relax your neck, head and face muscles and reduce shoulder tension.

• Take a deep breath and close your eyes.
• On the exhale, slowly drop your chin to your chest. Relax your neck and shoulders.
• As you inhale deeply again, slowly and gently roll your head around to the left, then back, keeping your shoulders still and relaxed.
• Make your movements slowly, carefully and deliberately.
• Now exhale full as you roll your head to the other side and down to your chest again.
• Repeat this sequence twice then change directions and repeat twice more.

Your Eye Examination For Computer Use

Due to the unique characteristics and high visual demands of computer work, computer users should have a comprehensive eye examination periodically. Your examination should include:

• General eye and health history
• Screening for glaucoma
• Specific history relating to computer work. Be prepared to describe the type of computer work you do, the number of hours, the time of day you usually work on the computer, the size, type and color of your screen and screen characters, positions and work distances in your workstation, the lighting in the room, and the type severity and frequency of any symptoms you're having.
• Measurement of your visual acuity at distance and near
• Evaluation of your internal and external eye health
• Measurement of possible prescriptions for distance and near working distances
• Assessment of eye focusing ability
• Evaluation of eye coordination and eye movement skills
• Your eye doctor may do additional tests based on your specific needs.

About Dr. Grossman

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, has been helping people preserve their vision in his private practice since 1980. He is the co-author of Natural Eye Care - An Encyclopedia (Keats, 1999), and the author of the upcoming book Greater Vision - A Guide to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Clarity in Everyday Life. Dr. Grossman is currently the Eastern Region Director of the Optometric Extension Foundation program, and lectures & gives workshops internationally on natural eye care, nutrition and Chinese medicine.