Oh my eyes!! My eyes!!

A common complaint in the Ophthalmology clinic by patient whose job involves long hours of straining on the computer screen.

The complaint is usually watery eye, red eye, pain in the eye or simply itchiness and uncomfortability of the eye.

The reason for this is usually because the person forgets to blink while trying to concentrate on their work. On an average, a normal human blinks 12-15 times a minute.

Some tips if you spend too much time on the PC or TV....

- Every half an hour or so, look away from your screen and at something distant (preferably something out the window)

- Every hour or more, sit back and relax with your eyes closed for a few minutes.

- Make a conscious effort to blink at least 10 times a minute.

- If you have dry eyes, get 'artificial tear' drops.

- If possible try to have the PC at a lower level than your eyes.

- Make sure, there is no glare of any light reflecting off the screen. This adds to the strain.

- If your job involves working on computers for long, avoid extra exposure at home (through computers or televisions)



Something people always forget, is that their eyes need rest just like the rest of their body. Just like long walks hurt your legs, your eyes will hurt if you strain them too much and give them no rest. Its only normal for your eyes to react when they are tired. Take better care of your eyes.