Tips to take care of your eyes after hours in front of the computer

Long hours in front of the computer giving you blurred vision and a headache? Here are some tips to ensure that this does not have an adverse effect on your health.

Keep away from the window
Extraneous light, otherwise known as glare, is the greatest source of eyestrain to computer users. If the desktop is located near a window, ensure that adjustable shades, curtains or blinds are used to dull the intensity of light. Avoid facing an un-shaded window or an alternative light source - the difference in brightness may cause stress and discomfort to the eyes.

Adjust your monitor's height
For optimum eye comfort, the centre of the computer screen should be positioned five to nine inches below your horizontal line of sight. You should be looking just over the top of the monitor in your straight-ahead gaze.

Get the right lenses
Studies show that while looking at a computer or digital screen, people spend more time concentrating and blink less frequently (up to three times less than normal). Long periods of not blinking can cause the surface of your eyes and contact lenses to dry out, leading to discomfort and loss of visual clarity. Try to get lenses that provide wearers with increased moisture all day.

Adjust your display settings
You can spare your eyes a lot of strain through proper adjustment of your monitor display settings. Ideally, the brightness of the display should be the same as that of your surroundings. If you are reading a long document, modify it in a way that stands out against the background.

Take regular breaks
Your eyes are not meant for viewing anything at a close distance for hours without a break. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes, and focus your eyes on points at least 20 feet from your computer. Keep your eyes moving while looking at objects at various distances.