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Natural Approach to Computer Vision Syndrome and Eyestrain

By Cathy Wong, About.com

Updated: January 13, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Computer vision syndrome is a condition involving eye strain and fatigue, temporary weak vision, dry, irritated eyes, light sensitivity, and other eyes, vision, and muscular problems that stem from computer use.

It's a common problem. Computer vision syndrome is estimated to be 40 times more common than carpal tunnel syndrome, another health condition affecting computer users.

Glare from surrounding lamps and lights can lead to eyestrain. Removing direct light sources, moving your computer station, or installing blinds, screens, or shades can reduce glare. In addition, reflection also make it difficult to focus and cause eye strain. This can easily be eliminated by using an anti-reflection computer screen.

One of the most common problems in workstation set-up is that the monitor of the computer is placed too high. The top of the screen should be at eye level. This is because the ideal gaze angle is 10 to 20 degrees below the eye. A screen that is too high can lead to dry, irritated eyes because it forces you to constantly keep your eyes wide open and blink less frequently. A screen that is too high can also cause headaches and neck and upper back pain because the head is tilted back to see.

Staying hydrated is important, because insuffient water intake can worsen irritated, dry eyes. Cmputer work can be very engrossing and you may forget to get something to drink. Or you may not feel you have the time to get up.

According to some alternative practitioners, when you strain to catch hold of unfamiliar information and have to do it on a tight deadline, the mind can become stressed and agitated. And when there is mental agitation or stress, this is transmitted to the whole upper body - the arms, shoulders, neck and head. This is why reading at work can be so draining and exhausting, but then you can go home and watch television for three hours or sink into your favorite chair with a magazine. Mental states can interfere with normal vision. Taking walks in a park where you only need a light gaze can help provide balance. The practice of yoga can also help.

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