How to protect our eyes when working in front of a computer for long hours?

Everybody who works on a computer for long hours understands its slow yet negative effect on his/her eyes. However, it is critical to take certain measures for protecting your precious eyes from any possible damage over time.

 Following are some immediate, as well as routine actions to take towards eye protection -

1. Take timely breaks: If it is not possible to avoid working in front of a computer for long hours, then you should develop an immediate habit of taking frequent breaks while working. Before you face discomfort or strain on eyes, get up and take a walk around or stretch your body. It will even help you avoid body pain and increase your productivity when you get back to work.
2. Work under proper lighting: As insufficient or low lighting can be a big cause of eye strain and redness, ensure to make a modification at your workstation. While you may use an additional table lamp or tube-light when at home, you can ask administrators for proper lighting if working at office. Make sure that the lighting is not extra-bright or installed to add glare to your computer screen.
   
3. Avoid glare and use eye-wear: Install an anti-glare screen on your computer and do not let its screen reflect light. Additionally, you may wear appropriate computer glasses after consulting an optician. As contact lenses may get dry to cause discomfort while working on a computer for long, wear eyeglasses instead.
   
4. Change some computer settings: Get a flat-panel LCD screen, adjust the computer screen's brightness and contrast, and keep the work text font or view percentage comfortable. Such small changes will make it easier on your eyes.
5. Blink and exercise eyes often: Constant stare at a computer screen can cause dryness and irritation. Blinking often will help to maintain the moisture of eyes. To avoid tiredness of eyes, look away from the screen after every few minutes and do eye rolling exercises.
6. Get your eyes examined regularly: Not every month, but you must have an eye exam at least once a year to avoid any vision problems.

Keep your eyes moist and exercised while working on a computer for long. Your eyes will thank you.