Headaches Caused by Eyestrain
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Defined Tag: Other Headache Types.

The age of technology may have made life more comfortable and entertaining. At the same time, however, too much computers, video games and television can put too much strain on the eyes. It is very common to hear of headache complaints as caused by eyestrain. This is true especially if the user needs to wear corrective eyewear or he need his current prescriptin updated.

People with impaired vision tend to get headaches more frequently since their eye muscles exert more effort to help the eyes focus and see better. If you seem to squint a lot, it can indicate that the muscles in your eyes are readjusting your eyeballs so that you can see better. If this is the case, be aware that if you squint for prolonged periods of time, your eye muscles will eventually tire out and a headache will occur.

Computer Vision Syndrome

It is common among those who use the computer for long periods of time to suffer eye problems called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).  Unofficially, CVS is also known as "pixel headache."

It is believed that it is more difficult and more tiring for the eyes to read from the computer screen, and about 25% slower than reading from paper. This is so because every letter on a computer consists of hundreds of small dots or pixels.  It is our eyes that compensate for the gaps between the pixels so we can perceive the letters as smooth while we read.  In order to accomplish this, the eye muscles need to work harder, but the extra efforts result to headaches. Although disruptive and unpleasant, computer-related eyestrain shouldn’t have long term consequences and the user can easily recover after a brief rest.

Computer users also have the tendency to slouch as they pound on their keyboards.  These prolonged periods of bad posture strain the back and neck muscles and also contribute to the onset of headaches.

How to Prevent Computer-related Headaches

* Take eye breaks. Get up from your chair and walk around.  Massage your face, temples and back of the neck to eliminate built-up tension. 

* Re-set the contrast on your computer monitor and reduce the brightness.  Use a monitor shield so you can reduce the glare.

* Position your monitor directly in front of you and provide a distance of about an arm’s length.

* Make sure you have adequate lighting at your work station.

Check Your Posture

Keep the top of your monitor at eye level or below so that you look down slightly at your work. If it is too high or too low, you can have a sore neck. Set your computer chair to the right height.  You should be able to rest your forearms comfortably on the desk while you type on the keyboard. Clear the space under your desk and stretch out your legs every now and then.
 
Adequate Lighting

Provide adequate lighting whenever you are watching TV or working on your computer. If lighting is insufficient, your eyes are forced to exert double effort to enable you to see better. This in turn can cause headaches. If you prefer a dim environment for watching TV or doing computer work, be prepared to get more headaches.  Adequate lighting may be less romantic, but it is a lot kinder to your eyes.

How to Identify Eyestrain

Having any or all of the symptoms indicates that you have eyestrain: headache after computer use, watching TB or reading a book; burning sensation in the eyes; tightness, itch or  irritations in the eye area; tiredness; blurry vision; and dizziness. If you observe any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor or see an ophthalmologist the soonest possible time.

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