1. DIM YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN
When your computer outshines the lighting overhead, the resulting glare can feel like an assault on your eyes, says optometrist Dr James Sheedy, head of the Vision Performance Institute at Pacific University in the US. Lower your screen’s brightness level until it matches that of the room.
2. CHECK YOUR GAZE
Adjust your chair so your eye level hits near the top of your monitor. Since most people intuitively gaze downwards 10 to 15 degrees, this position enables you to look comfortably at the centre of your screen, says Sheedy.
3. SCOOT TO THE LEFT
Most word-processing software defaults to left-aligned pages that force you to shift your focus – you guessed it – to the left, says Dr Alan Hedge, director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University in the US. If you sit left of centre, you can gaze forwards instead. Much better!
4. INCREASE THE FONT SIZE
When faced with small type, people quite often lean in towards their screens to read it – a habit that may make their eyes cross slightly (ouch!). A better idea is to make the font bigger – 12-point type feels good to many.
5. TAKE BREAKS
Stick to the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds or more, says Hedge. (For bonus points, take a walk – changing your point of view lets you rest your ‘screen’ muscles and engage others instead.) Blink rapidly too, as this refreshes your tear film.
6. BACK UP
Extend your right arm out in front of you – the tip of your middle finger should almost touch your screen. Any closer and the computer’s brightness may irritate your eyes. (Any farther and you won’t be able to type easily.)
Photo: iStock/FatCamera
