In this age of technological innovations, we tend to spend too much time in front of computers, playing video games and watching television. We often hear people complain of a headache that they think is caused by eyestrain. There is some truth in this, particularly if you need to wear eyeglasses, contact lenses or your current prescription needs updating.
People who do not have 20/20 vision tend to experience headaches more often because the muscles controlling eyes have to work harder in order to press the eyeball into a shape that enables the eyes to see better. If you notice yourself squinting a lot, this is a sign that your eye muscles are trying to readjust your eyeballs for better vision. Prolonged periods of squinting will tire out the muscles in your eyes, eventually giving you a headache.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, was named for the now common eye problems suffered by long-term computer users in this day and age. CVS is unofficially also referred to as a "pixel headache."
Letters formed on a computer cause more problems than other close work because each tiny letter is made up of hundreds of tiny dots or pixels, and our eyes fill in the gaps to make them appear smooth. Since the muscles around the eye work harder than usual to do this, the result are headaches. While not actually damaging to your eyes, everything should return to normal after a brief period of rest.
In addition, computer users are also subjected to prolonged periods of bad posture, putting a strain on the muscles on the back and neck. Thus, bad posture also contributes to the occurrence of headaches.
Preventing Computer Headaches
- Take occasional breaks to get up and walk around. Get rid of any built-up tension by massaging your face, neck and head.
- Adjust the contrast on your monitor to ensure that the screen is not too bright. Better yet, cut down on the glare by using a monitor shield.
- Avoid sitting too close to the monitor.
- Make sure that there is adequate lighting while you work.
Checking Your Posture
Check if your monitor is at eye level. Your computer chair should also be at the right height, enabling your forearms to rest comfortably on the desk as you use the keyboard. Also, get rid of any obstructions under your desk so you can stretch out your legs once in a while.
Adequate Lighting
Ensure that you have adequate lighting in the room where you watch TV or work on the computer. If you do not have adequate lighting, your eyes have to work doubly hard to adjust themselves for better vision. This can lead to headaches. If you prefer watching TV or working on the computer with the lights turned off and you are prone to getting headaches, inadequate lighting can actually make things a lot worse for you.
Identifying Eyestrain
You might have some or all of the following symptoms if you have eyestrain:
- A headache after using the computer
- A headache after watching TV
- A headache after reading a book
- A burning sensation in the eyes
- Eyes that feel tight, itchy or irritated
- Tiredness
- Periods of blurry vision
- Periods of dizziness
If you have any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor or ophthalmologist right away.
For more help on the prevention, treatment and remedies for migraines please see the Complete Guide To Migraine Headaches.
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