[rhythmdevils]

Actually, I don't think it's a monitor issue. My iphone screen is just as bad, and my eyes also get really bad when I wake up in the middle of the night, or first thing in the morning. I guess I should see another Opthamologist or allergy specialist

I was thinking about sleeping with one of those eye masks they give you on the plane, and putting wet cotton balls inside, so my eyes stay nice and wet. But I haven't done it yet I'm not sure it's a good idea

 

[Landis]

Have you tried over-the-counter eye drops like Visine?

 

[J W]

Yeah I get this problem sometimes. It seems like monitor-use makes it worse, especially if the monitor is glossy. Though I have had the problem even when I wasn't performing heavy computer work. I usually use clear eyes or visine or something. That, and I try to relax my eyes as much as possible by taking naps and the like.

Edit: You should also consider your general stress level and the amount of sleep you're getting.

 

[rhythmdevils]

definitely stressed. I've gotten eye fatigue from monitors and it seems like it's usually more of an ache. but this is burning on the surface of the eyes.

maybe i should take a vacation or buy new headphones

 

[waterlogic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhythmdevils /img/forum/go_quote.gif I keep one of those old school desk lights with the robot arms pointed up at the wall behind the monitor. I would think that would be enough light.

Hi

Do you use an energy saver bulb ? I know some people having serious issues with the light which is everything but natural . After changing back to "classical" bulb, things were better within few days . (problem is: it is getting almost impossible to buy the classic bulbs which are closest to natural light).

Also think if you have changed anything else recently in your working environment.

 

[choka]

i think you can still get full spectrum bulbs. I am using those at home and they work out well. I need to make my room super bright around the screen so I don't get as tired.

At work it is just horrible. Some coworker requests turning all the lights off because of glare, and now the whole office is dark except the monitors. I am going to go blind.

 

[rhythmdevils]

yeah I just put full spectrum (the cheap "reveal" brand) into the light in my desk a few weeks ago, but seems like that would help if anything.

Doesn't seem like it though, cause it's bad during the day too.

That sounds horrible Choka! Where do you work?

 

[choka]

yep, reveal is what i use.
 
i work at an animation company. Seems like switching lights off is pretty common in animation/sfx/movie industries though. It is not a big problem in day time because i sit right by the window, but when the sun goes down it really hurts. And I work long hours even after the sun goes down...

 

[balderon]

I am in front of a monitor nearly 14 hours daily and I have the same problem as the OP.  My ophthalmologist diagnosed my problem as dry eye. Per his recommendation I now use "Optive" eye drops several times daily. After a couple of weeks the constant fatigue and discomfort subsided.

 

[bobman21]

I was going to say, lower the brightness of your monitor.  However it does seem like a problem with your eyes.  Best to see the eye doctor.

 

[Sarah]

I have the exact same dry-eye-with-computer-use issue, I just recently saw the eye doctor about it. It is absolutely related to not blinking enough when you are on the computer. Get some good quality eye drops (not Visine... my doctor recommended "Refresh" brand) and use warm, wet compresses on your eyes occasionally. He also told me to take frequent 'eye breaks' when I am using the computer - look away from the screen, look around the room, look out the window, etc. for a minute or two. He also told me to try eating or supplementing with more Omega-3. Apparently they've done studies and people who eat more Omega-3 have significantly lower risk of having dry eyes.
 
My eyes are much more bothered when the pollen is heavy, even though I barely have any kind of allergy symptoms. So that could be contributing. Mine have been very bad the last 3 weeks.

 

[odigg]

I have the same problem.  Changing monitors or seating position doesn't do much of anything to help.
 
I've addressed it (to some degree) with the following.
 
1.  Greatly increasing font/text size on everything. 
2.  Installing a timer (Workrave) that tracks when I'm working and tells me to take a break.  I've got it set so that every 20 minutes I have to take a 45 second break.  Workrave is a free download and I highly recommend it.
3.  Trying to avoid looking at monitors (even TV!) from 9PM - 9AM.
 
Increasing font size was a BIG help (pun intended) as it's much easier to read text now and so I feel less fatigue.  The timer helps more at the start of the day than the end of it.  You have to force yourself to respect the timer though since it's easy to press "skip break" and keep working.