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What Causes Headaches After Working On The Computer For Long Hours?
Question: I have frequent headache issues when I am working continuously on screen (laptop). I thought of it as weakeness of eyes but upon checking, eyes are normal. I have been recommended specs with 0.25 number to wear during work on screen. Still headache is there frequently. Can you help me with any known specific causes and remedies?
Brief Answer:
Computer Vision Syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
What you have just described is a classical history of what is now known as Computer Vision Syndrome.
In this, you get a headache when you look at the computer screen for a prolonged periods.
I have following suggestions-
1. Use your glasses regularly. They are the best ways to make sure that you dont develop too much strain. These are computer glasses that you should use.
2. Make sure that there is a good background light. Use of computer too much in dark or ill illuminated room is a possible trigger.
3. Make sure your posture is correct. This is specially important as you work on laptops. The desktops, being set on a table chair pattern of work station do not always cause posture problems which can arise with the flexibility that a laptop may provide.
4. Use of screen gaurds that reduce the brightness of the screen are a very useful way.
5. Make sure you blink frequently. Gazing at the screen makes us stop or reduce the blinking when we are working intently. Make sure this does not happen. An on screen watch/indicator can help you remember.
6. Look far and away from the screen for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Initially you may have to set up an alarm for this. But one gets used to this.
7. Of course simple analgesics may be needed sos for the pain, but that is not the mainstay of the treatment.
8. Taking a short walk/break from your work station every 30 minutes will help you avoid the headaches as far as possible.
I hope that these measures will help. Feel free to contact me for any further information that you may need.
Best of luck, Dr Mittal
Computer Vision Syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
What you have just described is a classical history of what is now known as Computer Vision Syndrome.
In this, you get a headache when you look at the computer screen for a prolonged periods.
I have following suggestions-
1. Use your glasses regularly. They are the best ways to make sure that you dont develop too much strain. These are computer glasses that you should use.
2. Make sure that there is a good background light. Use of computer too much in dark or ill illuminated room is a possible trigger.
3. Make sure your posture is correct. This is specially important as you work on laptops. The desktops, being set on a table chair pattern of work station do not always cause posture problems which can arise with the flexibility that a laptop may provide.
4. Use of screen gaurds that reduce the brightness of the screen are a very useful way.
5. Make sure you blink frequently. Gazing at the screen makes us stop or reduce the blinking when we are working intently. Make sure this does not happen. An on screen watch/indicator can help you remember.
6. Look far and away from the screen for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Initially you may have to set up an alarm for this. But one gets used to this.
7. Of course simple analgesics may be needed sos for the pain, but that is not the mainstay of the treatment.
8. Taking a short walk/break from your work station every 30 minutes will help you avoid the headaches as far as possible.
I hope that these measures will help. Feel free to contact me for any further information that you may need.
Best of luck, Dr Mittal
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
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