Eye Strain

Always the geek in the family, when I grew up I wanted to be a Reference Librarian.  I take to technology like a fish to water, and no matter what job I’ve had, you could always find me picking somebody’s brain about the latest technology and gadgets.

I spend a tremendous amount of time on the computer at my day job, and then come home and work until the wee hours of the morning on my blogs.  Next to my monitor, you’ll usually find that I keep a bottle of Visine eye drops nearby to use for eyestrain when either I’ve been looking at the computer screen too long, or allergy season kicks in.

I’d like to share some tips and tricks that I’ve picked up from various family, friends and computer and technology sites that will aid in making working from home on a computer a bit less stressful for you.

Computer Tips

Perhaps you’ve been experiencing headaches when you work on your computer all day? It could be the screen. If you suspect that the screen may be causing your head to pound, here are some suggestions to cut down on the blinding glare.

For a long time, people didn’t think about the computer screen. When the screen is bright it is easier to see, especially when the surrounding light is low. But, if you have ever looked at someone sitting in a dark room looking at a computer screen, what does it remind you of? That’s right – someone watching television. The only difference is that we’re taught not to sit that close up to a television screen.

No wonder the screen’s glare affects you so! For office workers and home business owners, the computer has now become a necessity. Whether it is a laptop or a PC, you rely on it to conduct your business. So, what can you do to stop the eyestrain?

Tip #1 – Unplug your laptop. When your laptop is plugged in it runs on AC power. The computer screen is brighter while you work. A good laptop battery can run free of AC power for six or eight hours. Even a four-hour battery will serve you well. So, simply unplug. The screen is now dimmed since it’s using the battery. Work in four hour periods and then recharge the battery while you’re doing something else.

Tip #2 – Use lamps and overhead lighting to compensate. If your monitor allows you to adjust the settings, turn them down. A desk lamp can compensate for the low light and help reduce the eyestrain.

Tip #3 – Invest in a glare filter. For PCs the filter is made into a bracket that fits over the monitor screen. For long hours spent on the computer, your eyes won’t become strained and cause headaches. Using the filter all the time will benefit everyone who uses the computer.

For laptops, glare filters fit on the edges of the screen frame or directly on the screen. They can be removed when you’re done working. Some glare filters even incorporate privacy so that no one can see what you’re doing on your laptop unless they’re directly in front of the screen.  We have these at my office and they’re also useful when working on proprietary material.

Now you don’t have to wear your sunglasses indoors when working on your computer. You’re now equipped with something even better: Three solutions to stop the headaches and still get your work done or surf the web for fun.

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