Posted on 25th Jul 2011 @ 2:10 PM

Most of us spend at least half our waking hours in our office or cubicle -- right in front of a computer screen. When we're not at work, it's just as bad: we're either zoning out in front of the TV, looking at our personal computers, or checking in at work via our smartphones. In short, it's pretty easy to spend almost all of the day staring at one glowing rectangle or another. The result? The bane of all computer users: eye strain.

Symptoms of Eye Strain

It's pretty easy to tell if you have computer-induced eye strain. Twitchy muscles around the eyes are one clue, as are headaches, redness and irritation, and blurred vision. Some users will even report feeling lightheaded or dizzy. For us, eye strain generally manifests as a feeling of overuse: Our peepers feel dry, itchy, and just plain worn out.

How to Deal With It

A few ergonomic and lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference. They include:

Tweaking lighting and glare. Adjust your monitor settings to reduce glare and enlarge fonts. Make sure you have adequate lighting in your office. Sometimes overhead fluorescents are harder on the eyes than regular light bulbs.

Using the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes of computer use, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.

Adjusting your monitor. Some experts think that moving your computer to just below eye level can reduce the risk of dry eye and eye strain.

There's an App for That

Can't tear yourself away from your screen? There are plenty of programs to help. Lifehacker recommends a few good ones, including Awareness, WorkRave and Protect Your Vision. All will remind you to get up and get away from your monitor on a regular basis.

When All Else Fails…

…Just walk away. Sometimes looking down the hallway for 20 seconds isn't enough. Taking regular breaks -- to get a cup of coffee, run a quick errand, or even walk around the block -- will save your sanity, as well as your vision.

Bottom Line: Will Computer Use Permanently Damage My Vision?

The short answer is “no.” Staring at a computer monitor (or TV screen, for that matter) won't permanently damage your eyes. However, developing good habits, getting your eyes checked by a professional, and optimizing your work space will minimize the chances that you'll develop eye strain. And that will make your work day (not to mention your personal life) a whole lot easier and more comfortable.