It’s obvious for those who wear glasses that finding the right distance to sit from a computer screen is tricky. I tend to lean forward when I’m thinking or typing, and lean back when I am reviewing or just reading text.
The focal distance changes, but if you have only reading glasses then there is only one focal length which will suit your eyes. It is possible to have both reading glasses and computer glasses.
The problem is that we don’t sit in the same position all the time. The result for many people is eye strain and the following headaches.
There is another group who experience this same problem. It is those who only need glasses in limited situations or like myself was in denial about the need for glasses. I decided that I wouldn’t give in to the need for glasses until I was 50. I actually avoided the issue for another year.
My wife bought me some off the shelf glasses they sell in chemists and news agents. They immediately made a huge difference and my headaches and neck strain reduced considerably.
It wasn’t until I was 53 and again at my wife’s insistence I had an eye check and reluctantly paid for my first properly prescribed reading glasses. I couldn’t believe the price, but the real shock came when I sat at the computer. My reading was better than ever, but the focal range on the computer was worse.
Consequently I don’t wear my expensive glasses when using the computer. My optometrist generously offered to do me another set, but I am reluctant. The result is those of us who have some degree of visual difficulty are constantly trying to find the right range, and we get headaches as a result.
The position you sit in will place greater or lesser stress on your neck. If I work hard concentrating for long periods my neck becomes painful, and if I don’t take breaks to stretch and relax I will get a headache.
So we cant have glasses for every occasion and reading position, but we can manage the problem.
Firstly ensure your computer screen is at a distance where you would spend most of the time.
Next don’t sit back and struggle with the slight lack of focus. If you can move back and remove your glasses.
Avoid looking through your glasses as you gaze around the room.
Take regular breaks to stretch your neck muscles and relax your eyes.
Its all about having small strategies in place to spare your eyes and neck and therefore reduce your headaches.
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