A lot of women’s health articles remind you again and again to pay attention to the same issues that are always in the headlines. Some doctor somewhere did another study and offers the latest on what to do for your heart. We know we need regular blood pressure checks and we know we should look out for the signs that we may have diabetes.

The reality is that we’re all targets for any given disease because of the many different factors that exist in our lifestyle and environment.   So instead of another article encouraging you to take a friend to get her blood pressure checked, let’s talk about a less newsworthy topic that often gets overlooked (no pun intended).

Most of us sit daily in front of a computer monitor, under the glare of fluorescent lighting. By midday we walk out into a different kind of light - sunny, if the season calls for it - and our eyes adjust accordingly. How about those headlights that reflect back into your eyes from the vehicle behind you that happens to be taller than yours? Television screens, table lamps, reading small print, stress and oh, let me not forget aging, are just some of the things that can cause or contribute to eye strain.  There is actually a lot going on as our eyes are challenged to focus in on the changing visual landscape every time we move into a different environment. 

But since you’re reading this now on a computer, I’ll focus on what happens to our eyes as we stare into the monitor.  Dr. Jerry Weaver, director of the American Optometric Association, says that nine out of ten people who use computer terminals deal with screen-related eye strain, blurred vision, double vision, dry eyes, excessive tears and blinking or squinting. Nine out of ten?  That means most of us are dealing with some sort of visual strain that may or may not be addressed.  Weaver also says that people are concerned with ultraviolet radiation as well, although it is minimal, from the computer screen. “If no one’s getting a tan from using his computer, then it’s not a matter for concern.” Whew…I wonder about microwave ovens though? 

If you’re experiencing eye strain from using the computer, there are things you can do in addition to seeing a doctor that will help relieve the symptoms. 

* Glasses may help.  Check with your doctor.

* Take short breaks by turning your eyes away from the screen frequently, for a minute or two at a time. Look across the room, fix your gaze on a distant object, or look out a window.  This helps to relax your focus.

* Adjust the brightness and contrast of the monitor. The images and words on the screen should not be too hard to read. Make it comfortable for yourself. 

* Tone down the light. “Most offices tend to be way too bright for computer use,” Weaver says. So be sure that your monitor doesn’t have a bright light source hitting the screen. This causes more glare and more strain on your eyes.  (Glare reduction filters can also help).

* Blink!  Staring into a computer monitor can cause dryness in the eyes; so flutter those lashes to keep your eyes moist. Pharmacies also sell products that replicate artificial tears. Or you can recall one of those sappy Hallmark cards commercials that gets your eyes brimming with water just before the spilling point. 

* Eat for good eye health. A healthy diet affects every bodily function and eyesight is no exception.  Beans, fruits, vegetables and even garlic can have a positive impact on good eye health.  Learn more about Feeding Your Eyes - Foods That Provide Good Eye Health:  http://www.protect-your-eyesight.com/feeding-your-eyes.html

Eye health is one of those things that we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about unless you already wear glasses or experience some irritation like pink eye.  We tend to take an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ stance when it comes to caring for each of our amazing body parts.  But a good machine requires many parts functioning to their capacity in order to make the whole thing work.  What would your life be like without sight?

Chances are you will continue to spend a great deal of time in front of a computer monitor or in varied light situations.  Make the effort to preserve and improve what you have now. It’s too important to neglect.

Posted under Health