--- description: Ever spent more than two consecutive hours looking at a computer screen? Us too. Computers can make us more productive, but the bad news is... title: How to Avoid Computer Eye Strain image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt12580c6f050f0bc9/698a933b929fad6f78c02ad0/computer-eye-strain.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Health](/section/health/) # How to Avoid Computer Eye Strain by [TIME Staff](/author/time-staff/) Sep 13, 2012 1:15 PM CUT  Manchan / Getty Images by [TIME Staff](/author/time-staff/) Sep 13, 2012 1:15 PM CUT Ever spent more than two consecutive hours looking at a computer screen? Us too. Computers can make us more productive, but the bad news is that too much screen time can also lead to something called [computer vision syndrome](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480937 "undefined") (CVS). Recognizable as that [tired, strained feeling](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21197801 "undefined") your eyes get after a day in front of a computer screen, CVS affects some 64% to 90% of office workers. The condition likely doesn’t cause [permanent eye damage](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined"), but it can still affect computer users’ comfort. The most [common](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22676548 "undefined") [symptoms](http://www.slideshare.net/DMAINO/maino-chase-asthenopia-rev-optom "undefined") of [CVS](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480937 "undefined") include eye strain, redness, irritation or dryness, a burning feeling in the eyes, blurred or double vision after computer use, headaches and neck and shoulder [pain](http://www.aoa.org/x5253.xml#3 "undefined"). [Several factors](http://www.aoa.org/x5253.xml#3 "undefined") [increase](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15580914 "undefined") the likelihood of CVS, including uncorrected vision problems, dry eyes, glares on the screen, poor lighting, poor posture and even the angle of the [monitor](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480937 "undefined"). Another big factor is incorrect prescriptions: almost [71% of people](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined") reporting symptoms of CVS wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. If computer screens are proving a pain in your eyes, here are some guidelines to help ease symptoms: **Have your eyes checked regularly.** If you need a new or changed prescription but don’t have it, using a computer will be difficult, period. **Reposition the computer.** The screen should be [about an arm’s length](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined") away and positioned directly in front of your face, not off to the side. Position the monitor so its center is 4 to 8 in. below your eyes, which allows the neck to relax while you read and type. **Follow guidelines for good posture.** It’ll [reduce strain](http://greatist.com/health/good-posture-work-infographic/ "undefined") on the back, neck and shoulders. **Ensure proper lighting.** Try the [visor test](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined") to determine if current lighting is a problem: look at the monitor and cup your hands over your eyes like a baseball cap. If your eyes immediately feel better, then the lighting should be changed. Experiment with brighter and dimmer lighting, as well as the angle of the lights, to find what’s most [comfortable](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480937 "undefined") for your eyes. **Reduce glare.** Installing anti-glare filters on the monitor, adjusting window shades and [changing](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480937 "undefined") the screen’s contrast and brightness can help [reduce glare and reflections](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined"). **Blink frequently.** It should prevent dry eyes. If that doesn’t work, consider using [lubricating](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480937 "undefined") eye drops. Also [make sure](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined") air vents aren’t blowing on your face (this can dry out the eyes), and use a humidifier if the room is super dry. **Take regular work breaks.** Stand, stretch or just [look off into the distance](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined"), away from the computer, every 15 minutes or so to give the eyes a [break](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480937 "undefined"). **Clean the monitor regularly.** Dust can [decrease screen sharpness](http://www.pennmedicine.org/ophth/conditions/cvs.html#symptoms "undefined"), making the eyes work harder. **Try computer glasses.** Unlike everyday eye wear, they’re [designed specifically](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/technology/personaltech/easing-eye-strain-with-the-right-lenses.html?%5Fr=2 "undefined") for looking at computer screens. **Consider optometric vision therapy.** Some computer users have [issues with eye focusing](http://www.aoa.org/x5253.xml "undefined") or coordination that aren’t corrected by glasses or contacts. Vision therapy consists of doctor-prescribed activities designed to improve visual functioning (think of it as a workout for the eyes — though no guarantees as to calorie burn). _Thanks to_ [_Dr. Dominick Maino_](http://www.mainosmemos.com/ "undefined")_, professor of pediatics/binocular vision at the Illinois Eye Institute/Illinois College of Optometry, and_ [_Dr. Leonard Press_](http://pressvision.com/ "undefined")_, developmental optometrist at the Vision and Learning Center, for their help with this article._ _Have you suffered from computer eye strain? Have any of these tips worked for you? Share in the comments section below!_  _Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness start-up. Check out more tips, expert opinion and fun times at_ [_Greatist.com_](http://Greatist.com/ "undefined")_._ ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/archive/7137633/computer-eye-strain-explained-and-how-to-avoid-it/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/archive/7137633/computer-eye-strain-explained-and-how-to-avoid-it/"},"headline":"How to Avoid Computer Eye Strain","datePublished":"2012-09-13T13:15:23.000Z","dateModified":"2026-03-16T10:17:09.593Z","description":"Ever spent more than two consecutive hours looking at a computer screen? Us too. 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