How to Use the Computer Without Straining

The task of using the computer for work or school can easily cause eye strain, which results in fatigue, headaches, vision blurriness or dry eyes. These symptoms are common in those suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome according to the American Optometric Association, as 70 percent of those who suffer from CVS tend to work on computers or view digital screens for more than two hours daily. While CVS is not avoidable due to the necessity to use your computer, you can reduce the severity of the condition's symptoms through eye exercises and other at-home treatments.

Instructions

• 1

  Move your computer's monitor at least 20 inches away from your face. If your eyes are sensitive to the monitor, push the screen back to 35 to 40 inches to minimize eye strain. Level the top of the screen with your eyes to reduce looking down excessively while reading, as looking down for an extended period of time strains the eyes.

• 2

  Lower the computer screen's brightness. The screen should be comfortable to read, as too much or too little light causes the eyes to work harder to focus. Cover the monitor with an anti-glare screen to minimize straining. Turn off overhead lighting, as the contrast between the overhead light and the monitor can strain the eyes.

• 3

  Wipe the monitor's screen with a lint-free cleaning cloth. A lint-free cloth keeps dust and dirt from building up on the screen and improves screen visibility. Avoid wetting the cleaning cloth, as moisture may accidentally seep into the monitor and result in hardware damage.

• 4

  Position the keyboard directly in front of the computer. Angled keyboard placement tires the eyes, as your eyes constantly focus on the keyboard and the monitor while typing.

• 5

  Increase eye blinking. Your eyes dry out when using a monitor due to a natural tendency to stare at the screen. The eyes are naturally moisturized through frequent blinking.

• 6

  Give your eyes a rest. Focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes during computer use. Focusing on something besides the monitor reduces eye strain.