How to Protect Your Eyes
By admin on 2014-12-22

Most office workers have to sit for long hours in front of a computer screen and this can lead to much eye discomfort.

One of the most common eye problems is visual fatigue. Its symptoms include blurred or double vision, burning and watering eyes and headaches. When working at a computer, people blink less frequently - about five times less than normal, according to studies.

Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes, Also, the air in many offices is dry, which can increase the evaporation rate of your tears, placing you at greater risk of dry-eye problems.

An effective way to relieve computer eye strain is to blink more - every 20 minutes blink 10 times by closing your eyes very slowly. This will help re-wet your eyes. Also, you should take frequent breaks from the computer.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of the US, discomfort and eye strain came down significantly when computer workers took four additional five-minute "mini-breaks" throughout their work day.

During your computer breaks, stand up, move about and stretch your arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders.

Diet also plays a significant part in eye care. Keep to a light diet and avoid very spicy and greasy foods. Eating plenty of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon, is good for maintaining eye health, according to a study published in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology.

Carrots, for instance, are also rich in beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A - a crucial nutrient for maintaining proper eyesight.

In addition to these well-known eye foods, drinking green tea with herbs like chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, medlar and Chinese dates is also highly recommended.