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Have Eye Fatigue, Head Aches, Temple Pressure And Sudden Flashes Of Light. Is It Due To Exposure To Computer?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Jul 2013
Question: I sit in front of a computer about 12 hours a day, for work or for studying, i am wondering if that could have anything to do with my recent eye fatigue, head aches, temple pressure, and sudden flashes of light, also from time to time i have pain on the side of my eye.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (26 minutes later)
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is definitely possible that the prolonged exposure to the computer screen could result in your symptoms.

Doctors in the optometry field have found that persons in with prolonged screen time could experience different symptoms.The most common were actually eye strain , headaches, blurred vision and pain in the shoulder or neck.

The extent of problems that can occur with the use of the computer for long periods depends on (1)any corrected or uncorrected visual problems that may already exist,

(2)the lighting in the area- there should be a balance between the lighting in the room and that of the screen.
there should be enough light to view the screen but not enough to cause reflections or glare

You may want to consider a visit to your optometrist or opthalmologist for an assessment.

It is normally advised that you should (1) use a desk lamp instead of overhead lighting to reduce eye strain

(2) take eye breaks - this means every 20 or 30 minutes close your eyes or stare away from the computer for a few minutes

(3) blink often to reduce dry eyes

In addition to prolonged use of the computer, temple pressure and headaches can also be related to other causes of headaches that may have to be ruled out.These would include migraines ( can also be associated with flashes of light).In this instance there would normally be worsening of the headache with light or noise.

Tension headaches would normally be a tight or heavy sensation in the front of the head.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
I have dual screens that i set at 40 percent should i adjust the brightness of them?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (8 hours later)
Hi

Adjusting brightness if necessary can help. According to some computer personnel and optometrist the following can be done to minimise eyestrain from computer use: (1) adjust the contrast as low as possible so that there is as much black as possible
(2) if you notice that the central aspects of the screen are lighter than the margins then there is a black level problem
(3) adjust brightness so that the black region is a as black as possible but just on the threshold of becoming bright

Once you have checked the brightness, you can adjust contrast as well.

It would help , as mentioned to reduce ambient lighting to reduce any reflections onto the screen.
You can check to see if there are reflections that may be causing problems by turning off the computer and looking at the screen to see if you notice alot of reflections on your screen, there should be no intense light reflections.

If you notice any , rearrange your environment to minimise this.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Have Eye Fatigue, Head Aches, Temple Pressure And Sudden Flashes Of Light. Is It Due To Exposure To Computer?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is definitely possible that the prolonged exposure to the computer screen could result in your symptoms.

Doctors in the optometry field have found that persons in with prolonged screen time could experience different symptoms.The most common were actually eye strain , headaches, blurred vision and pain in the shoulder or neck.

The extent of problems that can occur with the use of the computer for long periods depends on (1)any corrected or uncorrected visual problems that may already exist,

(2)the lighting in the area- there should be a balance between the lighting in the room and that of the screen.
there should be enough light to view the screen but not enough to cause reflections or glare

You may want to consider a visit to your optometrist or opthalmologist for an assessment.

It is normally advised that you should (1) use a desk lamp instead of overhead lighting to reduce eye strain

(2) take eye breaks - this means every 20 or 30 minutes close your eyes or stare away from the computer for a few minutes

(3) blink often to reduce dry eyes

In addition to prolonged use of the computer, temple pressure and headaches can also be related to other causes of headaches that may have to be ruled out.These would include migraines ( can also be associated with flashes of light).In this instance there would normally be worsening of the headache with light or noise.

Tension headaches would normally be a tight or heavy sensation in the front of the head.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions