Eyestrain and Headaches

Headaches triggered by eyestrain are becoming an everyday thing for many people whose jobs require spending a great deal of time in front of the computer. Eyestrain headaches can also be brought on by playing too many video games or watching television for too long. Eyestrain headaches are more common in people who need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses or those whose current eyeglass prescription needs updating.

The reason those who do not have 20/20 vision have headaches more often than those who do have perfect vision is because the muscles controlling the eyes have to work harder to press the eyeball into a shape that allows them to see clearly. For instance, if you often catch yourself squinting in order to see, this is one way your eye muscles work to readjust your eyeballs for better vision. If you have to squint for extended periods of time, this will tire and weaken the muscles in your eyes. The result is that you will eventually get an eyestrain headache.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, was appropriately named for an eye problem which has become common with so many people spending so many hours in front of a computer screen. CVS has also been called a "pixel headache."

The reason more headaches are reported by computer users than those who do paperwork lies in the way the letters on the computer screen are formed. These letters are made up of hundreds of tiny dots or pixels. Our eyes must work overtime to fill in the gaps to make theses dots appear as smooth, whole letters. This extra work can result in eyestrain headaches. Reading a computer screen does not cause permanent damaging to eyes. Your headache will go away after a short spell away from the computer screen.

In addition to making the eyes work harder, another reason computer users may suffer more headaches is because they often sit with incorrect posture. This bad posture puts strain on the muscles in the back and neck which may also contribute to the occurrence of headaches.

Ways to Prevent Computer Headaches

• Take occasional breaks from your computer work to get up and walk around. Use this time to get rid of any built-up tension in your muscles by massaging your face, neck and head.

• Adjust the contrast on your computer monitor so that the screen is not too bright or too dim. It is also a good idea to us a glare shield on your monitor to make it easier to view.

• Don’t sit too close to the computer monitor.

• Make sure that there is proper lighting while you do your computer work.

Checking Your Posture

In order to cut down on computer headaches, is it a good idea to make sure you are sitting properly. First, make sure your computer monitor is at eye level. Next, check out your chair. If your computer chair is at the correct height, your forearms will rest comfortably on your desk as you use the keyboard. In addition, it is a good idea not to store junk under your desk. Get rid of all this stuff so you can stretch out your legs occasionally.

Adequate Lighting

You may wonder what constitutes adequate lighting. Adequate lighting will give you enough light to easily view what you are working on. This means that you should not watch television or work on the computer with no lights on. Without proper light, your eyes will have to work extra hard to adjust themselves for better vision. If you like to watch TV or work on the computer with the lights turned off and you are prone to getting headaches, this inadequate lighting can actually make things a lot worse for you.

Identifying Eyestrain

There are several telltale symptoms of eyestrain. If you suffer some or all of the following symptoms, you might have eyestrain.

• A headache after doing work on the computer
• A headache after watching TV for an extended period
• A headache after reading a book
• A burning sensation in the eyes
• Eyes that feel tight, itchy or irritated
• General tiredness
• Periods of blurry or fuzzy vision
• Periods of dizziness

If you suffer any of these above symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor or ophthalmologist as soon as possible. He can fit you with glasses that will head decrease eyestrain, or can suggest other means to cut down on the number of headaches you suffer.

Eyestrain and Headaches