HEALTH SPECIAL - FOR ALL THOSE WHO KEEP STARING AT COMPUTER

Five Ways To Keep Eye Ailments at Bay ..For those who work looooong hours in front of computer
THOSE WORKING long hours in front of computers often suffer headaches, itching, burning, blurrness and tiredness of eyes. As the usage of computers grows, so does Computer Vision Syndrome. Take note of the issue before it gets serious,

1 Keep Blinking
“These kind of problems, essentially, occur as we deprive our eyes of a basic action while working on computers — blinking. A human eye typically blinks 10-12 times a minute but the need to concentrate on the screen leads to reduction in that process, leading to dryness in the eyes,” says Dr Noshir Shroff, medical director, Shroff Eye Centre in New Delhi. Neglecting this for long can lead to inefficiency and lower organisational productivity.
2 Ensure Proper Lighting
Every corner of the room should be evenly lit to avoid stress on the eyes from one source — the computer. Also, the distribution of light should be vertical. “The best way is to have luminaires that light the ceiling along with the peripherals. Also, eyes should not be exposed to direct light. Companies that have modern lighting arrangements with reflections of light on surfaces illuminating the surroundings, offer a healthy environment to employees,” says Sunil Sikka, president, Havells India.
3 Take Frequent Breaks
Working for long hours in front of the machine leads to fatigue in eye muscles. Individuals who work in sectors like IT, media or financial research, need to focus on the screen for long durations, which strains the eyes. “They should try taking a 15-minute break every hour away from the system to keep their eyes relaxed,” suggests Dr Shroff.
4 Use Eye Lubricants
Dryness in eyes causes irritation and constantly staring at the screen increases this problem. There are a lot of ‘artificial tears’ or eye lubricants in the market, which can be used tokeep eyes moist.
5 Exercise Regularly
“There are plenty of exercises for the eyes that help build stronger muscles. Washing eyes at regular intervals is a good option to keep this vital organ healthy,” says Vikram Tandon, head, HR, HSBC India. In today’s work environment, when more work happens online, it is hard to wish away these problems.
ET8NOV11