Computer: beware of eye strain

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Extract from the article: People who work on computers always suffer from eyestrain. This is the health problem most frequently reported by these workers.

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People who work on computers always suffer from eyestrain. This is the health problem most frequently reported by these workers.

A range of fatigue symptoms are linked to computer use: dry eyes, irritated eyes, headaches, difficulty in focusing on a particular object. It should be noted, however, that screen work is not the cause of visual disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts or hyperopia. Visual fatigue, on the other hand, does.

Tips for limiting eyestrain

To remedy the problem, work at the screen with maximum visual comfort.Eyes are more fatigued in near vision than in distance vision. Keep a distance of 50 to 60 cm (about arm's length) between your eyes and the computer screen.It must remain legible.But the further away you are, the better. Also, the top of the screen should be at eye level. The eyes need to focus regularly at different distances. If you stare at the screen for too long, your eyes can also become tired. Force yourself every quarter of an hour to look at the screen from a distance of several metres for 15 seconds. If you need to consult a document while working at the screen, use a document holder attached to the monitor. Since it's placed at the same distance as the screen, your eyes won't have to keep refocusing as you move from one to the other. Ideally, screen and document should be placed at the same distance. If you suffer from dry eyes, position the screen lower, a little below eye level. When you look down, more of the eye is covered by the eyelid, you blink more frequently and your eye is more lubricated.If you can't lower the screen, blink frequently.Take care with lighting to reduce reflections on the screen, and avoid direct light in the eyes (ceiling lights, desk lamps, outdoor light).

Watch out for back problems

Adopt good posture to avoid back problems.Take "real" breaks on a regular basis: get up and go for a walk.And to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, keep your forearm flat so you don't have to bend your wrist.

Elom AKAKPO