How To Prevent Eye Strain - written by Corwin Brown

There are so many reasons that we end up with eyestrain. Perhaps you spend too many hours on the computer, watch too much television, don't get enough sleep or maybe read too much. With the lifestyles we have adapted to, we sometimes bring eyestrain upon ourselves. The course of action is to prevent the eyestrain to begin with.
Here's a list of things you can do to help reduce and prevent eye strain:
Place your monitor at a right angle from the window. It keeps the sun out of your eyes and keeps down the glare on the monitor.

Use an anti-glare screen to cut down the reflections. Anti-glare screens can be purchased through most office supply catalogues. Most clip over the monitor - so you have to purchase the right size. Monitors are measured in inches across the diagonal - just like a television screen. Most monitors range from 13-23 inches.

Use dimmer lighting around your VDT. Dim lighting reduces glare and makes the screen easier to read.

Adjust the screen's brightness and contrast controls for your best comfort.

If your screen has color options, choose those easiest on your eyes.

Try taking breaks and not looking at the screen for a few minutes at a time. Someone said to turn the brightness down you can do that too. If you can not take breaks close your eyes before going on to the next question. Also, if you get breaks use them wisely. Close your eyes turn off the thinking for a few and really relax. You got this far so you can get the rest done too.
Eat carrots - Your mother's been telling you for years that if you eat carrots, it'll increase your eyesight. This is absolutely true, but it isn't just carrots you can eat, it's anything with Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to safeguard against cataracts and macular degeneration. It also helps you to see better at night.
Do eye exercises - Close your eyes tightly for 5 seconds and then open them. Repeat 5 or 6 times. This will temporarily relieve strain and pressure. Lightly pressing a warm washcloth to your eyes once in a while is also a good idea. Don't ever rub your eyes too hard, though, or you may break blood vessels.

Always read when the light is sufficient. Some sites state that reading in low light does not affect your vision but we are against this viewpoint because of the fact that reading in low light causes difficulty to the eyes in focusing. This may cause the eyes to be out of focus or not completely focused which is harmful for the vision.

Try alternative therapies like acupressure, tai chi, falun gong. They hardly take much time, have no side effects and have been extremely beneficial to millions around the globe.
Prevent Physical Strain - Make a Comfortable Place to Read and Study
Provide seating that allows the reader to change positions and to sit comfortably. Ensure that the student gets at least 8 hours of sleep at night. It may be helpful for the student to take a brief catnap before long reading periods. Encourage college students to take breaks about once an hour to get up, stretch, and walk around for a few minutes.