Help comes from two directions: 1. specific exercises, and 2. negative ions.

First let us consider one of the primary activities that lead to this distressing condition, something that didn't exist 25 years ago. It seems that our concentration is so intense when we sit at a computer, it literally takes over our sense of location in the time-space matrix. Staring unblinking at a computer screen for hours on end can really do a number on otherwise healthy eyes. I reached the point where I was unable to drive at night. For what it's worth, here's the way I eased the situation.

According to Chris Grant, Ph.D, a specialist in ergonomics, there are several causative factors. (See http://office-ergo.com/12things1.htm.)

My own problems were manifested as follows:

A) Dry eyes caused by staring at the screen without blinking.

B) Maintaining a fixed focus at close range, continually straining the same muscles.

C) Gradually slumping into very poor posture impairing the blood flow to the upper body.

D) Constant exposure to positive ions.

The first three conditions were remedied by purchasing a cheap one-hour oven timer (the sort where you wind up the spring) that you can buy for about $6.00. Starting out with a 15 minute increment, set ithe timer. When it goes off, take your hands off the keyboard, step away from the computer, turn around and walk away. Use the time off to perform the following eye exercises, as described by Dr. David Williams in his "Alternatives" newsletter. (For more archived info see drdavidwilliams.com. These exercises are also included in certain levels of hatha yoga.) Depending on the severity of your situation, you may be able to increase the timer setting so as to maintain your productivity, at the same time still finding relief.

In addition to these excersices, it may be wise to consult a health care professional who is certified in nutrition. They could suggest a program specifically designed to supply your eyes with the necessary nutrients needed to help with eyestrain.

1. Close your eyes then look up as far as you can. Hold for a couple of seconds, then look down as far as possible and repeat the hold.

2. Repeat these movements but this time look to the right and hold, then left and hold.

3. Now, diagonally upper right, to lower left.

4. Now, diagonally upper left to lower right.

You may find it hard to keep your eyes closed but the muscles get more of a workout if you do. You may feel a bit of an ache while doing these exercises. If so, don't push too hard in the beginning, but instead start with your eyes open. Remember, you're using the eye muscles in ways that have been neglected and it will take time to get them back in shape. Another exercise that you may find beneficial: Very slowly roll your head on your shoulders as widely as possible in one direction, then roll in the opposite direction. The emphasis here is slow. This exercise is also found in Hatha yoga.

Now to point (D) Exposure to positive ions.

Ions were first considered in theory by Michael Faraday about 1830. Ions are all around and inside us. They are the result of chemical processes that occur in nature which cause atoms to either gain or lose one or more electrons. These are also known as An-ions (negative) or Cat-ions (positive).

In his book "The Ion Effect" (1977), Fred Soyka points out that while positive ions have a detrimental effect on our sense of well-being, negative ions are just the opposite and are very beneficial. Experiments exposing people to ions without their knowledge showed a marked change in their behavior according to the polarity of those ions. If you have ever been in high mountains or at the seaside you may recall the clear sweet scent of the air in those locations, or immediately following a thunderstorm. That was due to the abundance of negative ions present in the air.

Positive ions are found in excessive levels in cities, air conditioning systems, auto exhausts, and in proximity to electrical screens of any type including TVs and computers. Common symptoms of exposure to positive ions are watery eyes and a stuffy head, which I suffered to the point of considering abandoning any kind of work involving computers which would have been disastrous for my career.

Rescue came in a very simple solution. Upon discovering the benefits of negative ions, I bought an air purifier making very sure that the description on the box said "IONIZER" or words to that effect.This is essential in buying an air handling unit. Not all units have ion generators included in their design, being nothing more than a very mediocre filter.

We discovered that the units being marketed varied a lot both in price and performance. We bought one for $600 and it did nothing to remove that new carpet chemical smell and also it put out ozone above the recommended levels. A compact (12" x 10" x 7"} $40 unit from a well known retailer worked just fine. So shop around, read the labels carefully especially with regard to the ozone levels.

Installation consisted of putting up a shelf on the wall beside me at a distance of about four feet from my head. I put the unit on the shelf at a height ensuring that it would blow across the screen and effectively put a negative ion barrier between the monitor screen and me. What a difference! The only challenge now is to obey that timer when it goes "Ding." (Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?) I also used a home-built ion detector that I designed to regularly check the negative ion output.

I can heartily recommend anyone working with computers to consider using a purifier that has a negative ion generator built in. It will make all the difference in your work place efficiency. There does not appear to be any limit to the number of negative ions per cubic centimeter and the usual packaging does not give any parameters on ion density output. Given the liberal return policy of the big box stores you can always try a unit for a few weeks without commitment to a long term purchase. Realistically because of differences in body chemistry we may not all get the same results from any given unit.

Also as a side note, compact ionizers are available for autos. Just plug into the cigar lighter and you may be pleasantly surprised at the difference, especially on a long trip.

To your health and breath.