save your eye from COMPUTERS

Over 175 million Americans use a computer either on the job orat home. Nearly 75% of these people report vision problems asa result of their computer use.Are you one them?Dry and irritated eyes, difficulty focusing, headaches, backaches,neck strain, and double vision are just a few of the symptomscaused by computer use.Collectively, these symptoms are known as "Computer VisionSyndrome," which the American Optometric Association (AOA)defines as being "related to near work - experienced duringcomputer use."You might recognize that phrase "near work" from an earlierlesson. Computer use causes near-point stress-reported bythe AOA as one of the leading causes of nearsightednessand its progression.How does the computer hurt your eyes?Human eyes were not made to look at a computer screen. The screenyou are viewing right now is actually made up of thousands ofpixels. Pixels are, essentially, colored dots that make up theimage you see or the text you read. The more pixels on your screenfor a given image, the clearer the image will appear.But your eyes cannot focus directly on each of these thousands ofpixels. Instead, you have to focus over and over to keep theimages sharp-which causes strain and tension in your eyes.Computer screens have also been shown to reduce blink rates byup to five times! This is why your eyes feel dry and irritatedafter staring at the screen.Think of blinking like breathing: you can't do without it. Reducedblinking could be said to be the asthma of the eyes.So, short of quitting your job, what can you do about ComputerVision Syndrome?In the long term, following the Rebuild Your Vision program will helpyou combat the deterioration caused by the near-point stress of
computer use.And in the short term, here are some tips your eyes willappreciate.--Essential Tip #1: Monitor Your MonitorRepositioning your monitor is an easy and effective way to avoidawkward head or eye movements. It should be squarely in front ofyou at a distance of 18 to 28 inches, with the top of the monitor(not the screen) level with your eyes.You may also have to adjust the angle of your monitor to allowyour eyes to remain in a natural position (straight ahead andslightly down).--Essential Tip #2: Glare CareModifying your office lighting will eliminate glare and harshreflections. First, find the source of the glare: is it comingfrom a window, task light, or the computer screen itself?Adjust blinds or curtains to minimize sunlight. Turn downoverhead lights so that the brightness of the screen and thesurrounding room are balanced. Task lights should be positionedto provide direct light for reading and other office work butshould not shine directly on the computer.--Essential Tip #3: Take a Break-the "10-10-10" RuleIt's easy to lose track of time at the computer. So you need tolearn how to take a break. Here's how:Every time you are performing close vision work for over 10consecutive minutes, look up and focus on anything that isat least 10 feet away, for at least 10 seconds.The best way to incorporate the 10-10-10 rule while at yourcomputer is by using our Vision Defense Software, includedas a bonus with the Rebuild Your Vision Program.This simple rule helps to prevent the damaging effects ofnear-point stress and could literally save your eyesight! (And acomputer break is a perfect excuse to perform your Rebuild YourVision eye exercises.)--Essential Tip #4: Some Folks Have Special Needs
Seniors should take extra care arranging their work stations. TheAOA notes that workers over 50 years of age require twice thelight levels of younger adults for comfortable work.By the same token, very often small children share the samecomputer as their parents, a situation that can lead to injury,as monitor distance and position have been set up to accommodatethe adults.To your vision -- for life,