Eye strain

[shazzabell]

How can I prevent my eyes from hurting when on the computer? I wear glasses specifically for this, but feel uncomfortable and I'm forever putting them on and taking them off.

[smudge]

I started wearing spec's a few years ago & have just picked up new varifocals for short, mid & long distance. These are for reading, computer, TV & driving. I always prefer tinted spec's as this helps with the glare of the pc screen, or headlights when I'm driving.

[Clanad]

One sure method would to be to invest in a flat panel LCD monitor.  Since they are not constantly "refreshed" as in a standard monitor, the almost invisible refreshing of your screen by the light "gun",causing flickering, which in turn causes the eye strain you experience.  I bought a 19" model here in the U.S. and it makes all the difference in the world. The prices are coming down almost weekly...

[BillyNoMates]

Make sure you are sitting a sensible distance from the screen and that it is at a sensible height relative to you.

As Clanad has said, try adjusting the refresh rate if it's a conventional CRT or upgrade to TFT monitor.

Also, if you are lucky to have a window nearby, focus on something very distant as often as you can to relax the eye muscles. Even just something further away in the same room can help.

Take regular breaks.

[smudge]

I must admit I much prefer my new 17" TFT monitor to my old CRT one. Also, this may sound odd, but try not to stare at the screen for too long & blink as often as you can, this helps if you are suffering from 'dry' eye.

[rojash]

Also, ensure that the wall behind the screen is quite well lit. This reduces the contrast between the screen and the wall, and reduces the "staring at a bright light" effect.

[smudge_emma]

Whilst looking at a screen you actually blink less and this can make your eyes feel exceptionally comfortable. Make sure you blink enough! Also take time out to do a bit of eye yoga-

basically look left to right  and then up and down. Do this for a minute or two-it should help

[Hammer]

Make sure there's plenty of natural light.

I moved offices a few years back, and the new office is much brighter than the old one. I used to get headaches and eye-strain a lot, and now never do. When we moved, we also got rid of our CRT monitors and got the LCDs in. Never associated this with the improvements before, but maybe it was that that helped...