People who use computers on a daily basis often complain of eye irritation, fatigue and difficulty focusing. Just what I experience for being in front of the computer working for a long time. Most of these symptoms are caused by conditions surrounding the computer screen, and not necessarily the computer causing eyestrain. Poor lighting or improper placement of equipment and supplies, or a pre-existing eye problem may be the cause.

The computer screen should be placed slightly below eye level. Reference material should be placed on a document holder and moved close enough to the screen so that you don’t have to swing your head back and forth from the material and the screen. If that happens, your muscles can become stiff and sore, and your eyes have to constantly change focus, which can cause eyestrain or headaches.