Second the eyestrain issue. It's a big enough problem that it got a whole page in the chapter devoted to medical problems based off computer use. (Forget which class.)
(Uh, I'm a computer geek.)
So: first, make sure there is adequate lighting in the room. You want the room away from the screen to be at the same brightness as the screen. Any contrast, particularly if the room is darker than the screen, will cause eye strain.
Second: take a break every half hour. No exceptions. Look away from the screen. Focus on something else (a window, a wall, your neighbor, some decorative object, etc.). Drink a bit of water, close your eyes and blink a couple times. Make sure you spend at least a full minute *not* looking at your screen/a light source. It doesn't need to be much longer than that (unless your optometrist specifically suggests longer breaks. He/she knows best).
Third: every two hours, get up and stretch. (I know, it's been said. ;) ) Shake your hands/wrists out so your fingers don't cramp. Look at something besides the screen or a light source. Try to look at something farther away, maybe stick your head out in the hallway or look out a window. Again, this doesn't have to be a long break, just make sure you stretch and give your eyes and hands a rest.
If you're on the computer for more than six hours a stretch, I would recommend taking a break where you walk around, maybe go outside or just stroll through the office. Your legs need the movement, and it will give your eyes different scenery.
And I second (third? fourth?) going to see an optometrist.
The reason people get eyestrain from computers is that they're a light source. When you read paper, your eyes pick up light that's bouncing off the paper from other sources. This reflected light is how humans are designed to see the world. When you read a computer, the light is generated by the screen. You're not seeing a reflection. It's like staring into a miniature sun. People aren't meant to do that for long periods of time.
They make screen covers that reduce the light from your screen to make it easier on your eyes, as well as glasses designed to do the same thing.
no subject
(Uh, I'm a computer geek.)
So: first, make sure there is adequate lighting in the room. You want the room away from the screen to be at the same brightness as the screen. Any contrast, particularly if the room is darker than the screen, will cause eye strain.
Second: take a break every half hour. No exceptions. Look away from the screen. Focus on something else (a window, a wall, your neighbor, some decorative object, etc.). Drink a bit of water, close your eyes and blink a couple times. Make sure you spend at least a full minute *not* looking at your screen/a light source. It doesn't need to be much longer than that (unless your optometrist specifically suggests longer breaks. He/she knows best).
Third: every two hours, get up and stretch. (I know, it's been said. ;) ) Shake your hands/wrists out so your fingers don't cramp. Look at something besides the screen or a light source. Try to look at something farther away, maybe stick your head out in the hallway or look out a window. Again, this doesn't have to be a long break, just make sure you stretch and give your eyes and hands a rest.
If you're on the computer for more than six hours a stretch, I would recommend taking a break where you walk around, maybe go outside or just stroll through the office. Your legs need the movement, and it will give your eyes different scenery.
And I second (third? fourth?) going to see an optometrist.
The reason people get eyestrain from computers is that they're a light source. When you read paper, your eyes pick up light that's bouncing off the paper from other sources. This reflected light is how humans are designed to see the world. When you read a computer, the light is generated by the screen. You're not seeing a reflection. It's like staring into a miniature sun. People aren't meant to do that for long periods of time.
They make screen covers that reduce the light from your screen to make it easier on your eyes, as well as glasses designed to do the same thing.
Oh, and hi. :)