Photo credit to Wikipedia

Blogging is fun and sometimes, addictive. Let us admit it; we tend to abuse our selves especially our eyes. Unfortunately, blogging for two hours or more can cause Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This may affect our mental and physical abilities that may lessen our productivity. Although some of you may have heard of this before, it is good to be reminded again. If this is your first time, then you should finish reading this. I read some articles about it and simplify them here.

Symptoms

1.0 Headaches
2.0 Temporary nearsightedness
3.0 Blurred and double vision.
4.0 Eye strain, dry eyes, and redness and watering of eyes.
5.0 Neck and back aches.

Main causes and countermeasures

Nature of computer screen

Characters or pixels on computer screens do not have well-defined edges. They are brightest at the center and diminish in intensity toward their edges, which makes our eyes difficult to maintain focus and remain fixed onto these images. Normal reading glasses cannot really help that much as reading a book has a distance of 16” ~ 21” while viewing a computer screen is 18”~28”. The best you can do is to seek assistance from eye experts and ophthalmologists.

Lack of image clarity

Unclear images due to inappropriate monitor adjustment. This means you should adjust the brightness and contrast of the monitor, then test your self. If the white background of this page is light then it is too bright. If it looks gray and dull, then it is too dark. You can also upgrade your display. LCD screens just like on laptops are friendlier to the eyes than the old fashioned CRT (cathode ray tube) design. If you are using desk top computers, it is advisable to use a diagonal screen size of at least 19 inches.

Reflection and lighting

Glare from reflection and lights such as overhead lights, and improper location of computer table. The best you can do is to position your computer on the side of the windows instead at the back or in front. If you have window blinds, adjust them until sunlight is away form the computer screen. Do not put overhead lights directly on top of your computer. You can also install an anti-glare optically coated filter on your screen.

Infrequent blinking

Reduction of frequency of blinking of eyes is also a major factor. Normally, a person blinks at 15 times / min. but the blink rate lowers to 5 times / min when working on a computer. This problem needs a strong effort on your part. Here is a formula that is east to remember, 20-20-20. This means you should blink 20 times for every 20 seconds for every 20 minutes. It is also best to blink every time you hit the ENTER key, of when you click your mouse.

Ergonomics

Poor positioning of the computer table, chair, distance as well as the sitting position has great effects on our eyes and body. According to experts, the viewing angle from eye level to the middle of the screen should be about 20 degrees while the distance should be from 18” ~ 28”. You should also avoid placing the computer in front of an air conditioner while the air draft is facing you. To reduce fatigue, take a 5 minute break for every 30 minutes of computer work.

Hope we’ll see each other again!

Related post:
Important Things to know before starting a Blog

Article Source: Father Blogger dot Com

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