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How to protect your eyes

There's nothing wrong in keeping up with the IT revolution. Right from teenagers to top executives in software firms, spend hours in front of their PCs. How many of them have paused to think the damage to the eyes that could result from staring at the computer screens, without blinking. Whether it is TV or the PC screen, the strain caused to the optic nerves is same. In their eagerness to acquire knowledge , many Indians have plunged into net surfing and software solutions, neglecting the health aspects. Doctors are reporting increasing cases of eye damage and headaches due to lack of adequate precautions.

Even some simple steps could prevent eye fatigue

Positioning of the computer screen:
The PC screen should be placed about 10 to 15 degrees below the eye level. Brightness and contrast should be adjusted to suit individual needs. The screen should be wiped clean every morning to keep it free of dust particles and finger prints.

Suitable lighting:

It is very important to ensure that the screen is so placed so as to avoid any reflections of light of windows . Glare is to be avoided at all cost.It is better to drape the windows to prevent sunlight mixing with tubelight. Walls and desk surface should be non-reflective and neutral colour. Glossy laminated surfaces are out.

Check your eyesight:

Get your eyesight checked twice a year. Wear specs if needed. If typing from a printed text, take extra care as your eyes will be shifting from small print to letters on the screen. As the PC has the facility of increasing the fonts and type size, use a bolder type, which can be reduced in the end to the desired typeface.

Use anti-glare screen:

An anti-glare screen is a must. Buy a quality product, with a clear transparent surface. A poor, cheap product will cause more damage to the eyes. Always keep both the surfaces clean of dust.

Use the correct seating position:

It is very important to choose the right seating arrangement. Now modern chairs, designed for computer pros are available in the market. If at home, buy one that has adjustable height. If in office, insist on a well-contoured chair, that offers proper backrest and neck support.

Take frequent breaks:

Long hours in front of the PCs may impress the employer. But it will play havoc with your health. Even a five minute break every 30 minutes will have a soothing effect on your eyes.

Rest your eyes:

At the end of the day, after reaching home, it will do a lot of good to close your eyes for half hour. Place pieces of cucumber or potato slice on your eyes. Wash your eyes with rose water or put some eyedrops cleaning up the eyes.