Anyone who spends extended time at a computer (an hour or. more without a break) is vulnerable to blurred vision, red eyes, difficulty seeing long distances and headaches.
One of the first steps is to eliminate glare by tilting the screen away from light or getting an anti-glare screen. These screens ($20 to over $100) are sold at office-supply and computer accessory stores. Face your monitor away from windows and other bright light sources, and place it so the middle of the screen is slightly below eye level (about 20 degrees).
Take a five-minute break every 45 to 60 minutes to relax your eyes and body. Get up and walk around, and look away from bright light. Then sit in a relaxed position-for example, with your back straight and your hands on your knees, and take deep breaths. Perform a "cupping" technique to relax the eye muscles-place your cupped hands over your closed eyes, fingers resting on your forehead. Leave your hands there for one to two minutes while you relax.
The herbal extract bilberry (available at health-food stores and pharmacies) improves circulation to the eyes and reduces the redness and irritation that many people experience from computer use. Take 320 mg daily of a 25% anthocyanoside extract. For best results, take bilberry indefinitely.
Want to Keep Reading?
Continue reading with a Health Confidential membership.
