Spending long hours staring at the computer monitor can cause eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, dry or irritated eyes. The worst thing is that you might become a victim of CVS – computer vision syndrome, if you continue staring giant monitors for years.

We have earlier discussed some eye care tips for computer users who work for long hours in front of the computer and feel stressed out at the end of the day. So if you really care about your precious eyes, hit up the link to learn more.

However, if you are the type of person who needs something to set as a reminder for routine breaks, here is a nifty little website which might help.

ProtectYourVision can help remind you to relax a little when you have worked for a long time in front of the computer and your eyes feel dry and burned out. The website can send sound alarm after predefined time intervals set by you, thus reminding “It’s time for a break”

It works like this – go to ProtectYourVision.org and choose a theme for the timed interval alarm. Keep the site open in one of the tabs and continue working where you were working earlier. When you hear the sound alarm from Evo (the robot), fall back to the ProtectYourVision site and Evo will recommend you some eye exercises, as shown below:

Eye Gymnastics For Computer Users: Some Tips From Evo

Here is what Evo, the robot suggests as eye care exercises when you feel stressed out after working for long hours in front of the computer:

Exercise 1: Move your eyes up and stay;like this for around 1 second (do not move your head). Look straight and later, move your eyes down and stay like this for 1 second (remember not tomove the head again). After that, look straight ahead again. Duration:30second-1 minute.

Exercise 2: Move your eyes to the left and stay like this for around 1 second ( do notmove your head). Then look straight ahead and move your eyes to the right and stay like this for 1 more second. After that, look straight ahead again. Duration: 30 second – 1minute.

Exercise 3:   Move your eyes circularly and after every circle, loom straight ahead. Duration: 30 second – 1 minute.

Exercise 4:   Visualize the number 8 and move your eye pupils in the order of the number 8. Do not move your head. Duration: 30 seconds-1 minute

Basically, there are three break rules which you can make use:

1. 20-20-20-Rule: This is as simple as it can get. After every 20 minute of computer activity, take a break for 20 seconds and focus on any object placed at least 20 feets away. It’s nearly impossible to remember the 20-20-20 rule and work upon it, hence setting the timed alarm for 20 minutes at ProtectYourVision will help remind you that’ you should now opt for a break and relax a little. My personal favorite.

2. 60-5 Rule: This is for long breaks which you should take after each hour of computer activity. Set an alarm for one hour and when you hear an alarm, completely leave your work desk and take a break for 5 minutes. Return back to your computer desk after 5-10 minutes and you will be surprised to see how refreshed you feel and the effect on your working efficiency.

3. Custom Rule: There is another custom break rule where you can define a custom timed interval for scheduled breaks. Works great for “planned people” but personally I would stick to the 20-20-20 rule as it involves frequent short term breaks.

The only downside is that there is no browser extension or bookmarklet available, so you have to keep the browser tab open all the time. Otherwise, the site is very user friendly and simple to use, free from advertisements and other distractions.

What about you ? Do you have any tips, suggestions or tools for protecting your eyes from computer vision syndrome, caused by heavy computer usage ? Let our fellow readers know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.

Heavy Computer User? Protect Your Vision Reminds You To Take Frequent Breaks originally published on Ampercent

Do you use computers for more than 2 Hours a day ? You may be a Victim of CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome) . Long hours infront of computer can cause eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, dry or irritated eyes.Check out Some Effective Eye Exercises and the Reasons of Eye fatigue caused Due to Computers.

Reasons Of Eye fatigue caused Due to Computers

There are  plenty of reasons for Eye fatigue caused due to Overuse of computers. Here  goes some serious reasons :

1. Computer Users have a fixed posture which keeps The upper Body Fixed for a long Period of time.

2. Continuously Gazing to a Nearby object (the computer Monitor ) leads to convergence Fatigue.

3. The Eye Muscles Do not Get Much opportunity to Move.The Shoulders are kept at a Fixed place which Affects the eyes as well.

4. Overhead office lights and other light Sources Falling on the Computer Screen causes Glares.These glares have an Adverse Effect on your Eye pupils.

5. In general a person blinks 15-20 Times a Minute.But when you are Working in the computer the Blink rate reduces to 5-10 times Per minute due to Continuous staring and Concentration.In the Absence of Adequate Blinking Eyes become Dry and Irritated.

6. Working Too much on computers at night Might affect your Sleep as well.

Check your Workstation for Eye Constraints

Eye stress can be considerably reduced if we adopt to the correct environment at our workplace. Also Sticking to a Schedule and Being more disciplined at work is by far the Most necessary constraint to reduce any kind of Physical stress and strains. Here are some Exercises that Helps to reduce Eye fatigue while you are working for long hours infront of the computer.

Ensure Adequate Light : When we do not provide enough light for the eyes to do their job, we are adding additional and unnecessary strain on the eyes. Be sure to use light bulbs with enough wattage (min 40 Watt for a Moderate room )

Keep your monitors Below Eye level : The monitor should be Ideally placed 5 to 9 inches below Eye level.This causes your Eyelids downward thus maintaining a healthier Blink rate.Adjust The Height of your Seat : For Best Results adjust The seat of the Computer Chair so that the Middle of the computer Screen Is 20 Degrees Below Eye level.

Screen distance and Monitor Positions : The Screen Should Be placed at a Minimum distance of 16-20 Inches from the Eye.There should not Be any light Source behind or in front of your Monitors.So Position the Monitors such that the Room Windows falls in the Side rather Than Back or front.

Use an Anti Glare Screen: The Monitor Emits Harmful radiations that always Affects Your eyes. The Computer Monitors refreshes Every Millisecond and Continuous gazing to the refreshing monitor Makes the Eye pupil think Its day time.This Indirectly Affects your Sleep.

For Laptop and Notebook Users : Rest Your Backbone against a  wall if you are Using Your laptop from Your Bed.Otherwise overtime you will lean towards The Computer Which is Harmful both For your Eyes and Spine.

Exercises that reduce Eye Strain While Working At the Computer

And here are a few useful exercises that  help in reducing eye strain During long hours infront of the Computer. The 20-20-20 rule and rotating eyeballs  work like Magic. Try them and you will feel the difference

20-20-20 Rule of Blinking : Blinking creates an even Film of tears on the Eye Surface that keeps the eye Moist.So You should Blink Very often.Follow the following 20-20-20 Rule of Blinking:

After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen,look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.If Possible,Walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.[Thanks Ramanathan]

Rotate the Eyeballs : While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. Continue this Exercise for a Minute or two.You can repeat it three times before getting back to work.” It serves as a good workout for the eyes.[Thanks Digital Inspiration]

Use Tea Bags, Potato and Cucumber Slices For refreshment : When You return From Work cut two thin Slices of fresh potato Slices and Place them Just Over Your eyes.Lie Down and keep these Potato Slices for 10 Minutes.After that Wash your Face with Cold Water.

Before going to Work Keep two used tea Bags in the refrigerator.When you return,Place the tea Bags on your Eyes for few Minutes- this Will relax your tired Eyes.

Press cold cucumber slices gently against eyes 10 minutes before going to sleep at night to prevent puffiness.

Look At Distant Objects : Look at Distant Objects for every 5 minutes in an Hour.This changes the Focal length of your eyes. If you are Inside Your office a better option Would be to go out in the lobby or Balcony.[ P.S : Don’t Lose Your Job :) ].

Sleep Is important : A good Night Sleep is the best possible Exercise for your Eyes.Without proper Sleep (especially at Nights) your eyes Will Always feel tired.So try to Sleep Early ,At least Before Midnights.Never miss the opportunity of Short naps In the Afternoon.

An Ancient Technique

When you feel tired Take a Clean Eye dropper and a Glass Of  Cold Water.Lie Down and using the dropper pour 5 drops of cold Water into each of your Eyes.Take Deep breaths while keeping your Eyes closed for 2 Minutes.After that open your Eyes but Do not Wipe Out your Wet Eye.Let the Water Evaporate Naturally.Repeat This exercise twice a day.

Nutrition For your Eyes

It is also crucial to Include foods that are beneficial for your Eyes health.Some of them Include :Cauliflower,Sunflower seeds,raw cabbage,Watercress,cantaloupes broccoli. Carrot Juice is Excellent in preventing common Eye problems

Use Eye Drops : Keep a prescribed Eye Drop available in your office desk.Whenever You feel your Eyes are irritating and causing you pain use lubricating Eye Drops.This Removes Strain and redness.

Do you Work For long hours in front Of the computer ?  Have you a Better Tip ? Share with us in comments

10 Exercises to Remove Eye strain While Working Infront of Computer originally published on Ampercent