Eye Strain -- Do you have enough light?

Reading in dim light will ruin your eyes - right? Not necessarily. This is a myth, along with sitting too close to the TV screen or reading by flashlight. These things will not do any permanent damage to your eyes. But any close-up work, reading, computer, or crafts, can result in eyestrain. Your eyes can feel dry, irritated, sore or tired. You might even have blurred vision, a sore neck, or a headache.

Adequate light will definitely make a difference. If you have reduced vision for any reason, try using stronger light. (Be sure the light fixture you use can handle higher wattage.) Try a 200-watt bulb and see if that helps.

While you're reading, position the light so it points onto the page, not at you. You do not want light shining into your eyes. At the computer, place your monitor so the brightest light source is to the side. Make sure adjustable lighting in the room does not shine into your eyes or reflect off the screen. Glare can be a problem with monitors. The most intense glare will likely come from sources above or behind you, such as fluorescent lights or sunlight. If you can, turn off overhead lights.

Watching television, do not totally darken the room. Instead, keep the room softly illuminated. Too great a contrast between screen and surrounding area can result in eyestrain.

Computers - The big offenders in eyestrain. People who use computers all day have a host of eye complaints. These may include difficulty shifting focus between monitor and papers on the desk, seeing color fringes or afterimages, and increased sensitivity to light. These are unpleasant, but they won't stay for long. To prevent these from developing, take eye breaks.

EYE BREAKS while using the computer:

Look away from the screen, and at an object several feet away for ten seconds every ten minutes. Or, look up from what you are doing, and simply let your eyes unfocus. If possible, lean back occasionally and close your eyes for a few moments.

Blink! Most people blink less than normal when working at the computer. Less blinking means less lubrication from tears, resulting in dry, irritated eyes. You can use artificial teardrops if you work on computers for extended periods.

Sit up. Seriously. Your mother was right. Good posture will prevent muscle soreness in the neck, and it will help your blood circulate normally so that your brain - and your eyes - receive adequate new blood supply. Sitting up also helps you fill your lungs completely, so you are staying oxygenated while you sit.