How do you protect your eyes and vision?

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Tips for reducing eye strain

I always experience pain in my eyes after just a few hours of working in front of the monitor. Specifically, there is a sharp aching at what feels like the back of my eye, and once I start to feel it I have to lie down and it helps to close the lights and blinds.

What are some things professional programmers do to protect their eyes? I'm a college student and, with my limited time in front of a monitor, this pain already seems pretty intense. I can't imagine what it will be like when I have to stare at a screen from 9-5, M-F.

So, for those who are already dealing with this problem, what are your best solutions? Besides what to do while you're at your desk, are there other things you've found helpful in preparing your eyes for a days work?

Answer 1

Follow the 20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes look 20 ft away from your computer or walk over your friend's or colleagues desk and chat for a few mins and come back.

Answer 2

I think it mostly depends on your health background. I never had any trouble of eye strain or carpal tunnel, despite being years I work at the computer for hours and hours. I did however lost a bit in eyesight, a small astigmatism which is mainly due to my eyes structure. For this I wear lenses, when I remember them.

My suggestion is however to try to move your focus away from the monitor every now and then. I am not a doctor, but as far as I think, if you always put your eye lens in the same focus point, it is going to become less responsive and adaptable for other focuses in the long run.

Not related to your question, but a major issue nevertheless, is the back, due to wrong posture and hours of sitting.

Answer 3

I really think you should visit an eye doctor. If you were contacts or glasses, your prescription could be off. I know when my contacts dry out it becomes really hard to stare at a monitor, but from the pain you are describing, I think it would be prudent for you to visit a doctor before trying to follow through with the usual ergonomic approaches. Once he/she checks you out, you can be more comfortable knowing its just your viewing habits that need to change if that's your problem at all.

Answer 4

Take frequent breaks from looking at your monitor and give your eyes a rest. It's sometimes difficult to remember when to do this, some people use break timers - either software:

http://elenzil.com/progs/breaktimer/index.html

or you can use another simple timer to remind yourself of when to take a break. Visit an opticians regularly and get your eyes checked also. One other thing, spend some time outdoors as well as indoors. Hope that helps.

Answer 5

mostly i try not to let my eyes bleed on the keyboard, it increases the risk of typos...

but seriously, if you're having trouble, get your eyes checked; everyone's eyes are different, and an optometrist will have better advice for you than a bunch of bit-flippers.