Computer Eye Strain Treatments

Does working at the computer give you a headache? Do your eyes feel gritty and sand-filled after hours spent online?

If so, you may be suffering from computer eyestrain. More specifically, you may be suffering from dry eye which is often brought on by too much computer use.

I am neither a doctor nor anyone else with a medical background; however, I am a person who once suffered debilitating headaches after a mere hour or two of computer use. This webpage is my personal story of the steps I took to discover a cure so that I could return to working daily at my computer without fear of suffering a headache by day's end.

( photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominic at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photo... )

When I first spoke to my personal healer -- my chiropractor, Dr. C -- he suggested window shades to darken the room in which I use my desktop computer. By eliminating the glare of the sun and other ambient light, he explained that I would have full control over my room's lighting.This was an important bit of information for me -- My computer eyestrain symptoms always worsened in January when the sun rides low along the southern horizon in the northern hemisphere.

Dr. C explained that it is important that the computer monitor NOT be the brightest thing in front of me. He suggested I set a common table lamp to one side of my computer monitor. He recommended an ordinary incandescent light bulb over LED lighting. My apologies to the reader; I forget his reasoning. I use a 60-watt bulb and that works well for me.

I love this description from my box of Alvita Bilberry Tea Bags: "...Extensively written about in 16th century herbals, this plant (the bilberry) is native to northern Europe and Asia; with its nearest American counterpart being the huckleberry. During World War II, Royal Air Force pilots swore that eating Bilberry jam prior to night missions significantly improved their visual acuity in the darkness."

Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement rich in the unsaturated fatty acid Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA is commonly used by women for relief of PMS symptoms; however, Dr. C recommended it for the health of my eyes.

Dr. C also helped me choose an additional supplement that includes blackcurrant , B vitamins and Ginko BIlboa among other nutritional supplements. I was willing to try whatever he recommended to get rid or the constant headache from eyestrain.

The amazon product review I include below will provide you with specific details on which supplements are included and how they specifically help maintain healthy eyes.

I love to sprinkle whole ground flaxseed meal over my morning eggs. Crunchy, nutty and healthful. Away with those symptoms of eyestrain.

A health professional to oversee your eyestrain treatment

I cannot say enough how important it is NOT to order and take a bunch of supplements on your own without first clearing it with a healthcare professional you trust.

If you are having serious problems with your eyes, I suggest a full workup with an ophthalmologist to rule out anything more serious than eyestrain. My ophthalmologist did tweak my prescription for computer eyeglasses prior to my starting nutritional supplements.

I am fortunate in that both my traditionally trained family physician as well as my chiropractor are on the same page regarding my health care. In fact, both my doctor and chiropractor meet for breakfast one a month to discuss the patients they share. I feel I am in great hands. And best of all, I know that the writing and research of this webpage will not leave me with a headache and gritty, dry eyes.

(photo courtesy of photosearch)