Migraine Headaches
migraine headaches: a condition characterized by painful recurring headaches, sometimes with nausea and vomiting.("migraine," 2005, para 1)
Headaches caused by computer abuse may occur during or after a long encounter with the machine. The headaches are oftentimes a sign that one's eyes are uncomfortable, so the same measures should be taken to treat computer-induced headaches as dry eyes. Dr. Marc Grossman of VisionWorks, Inc. observes that, "Many computer users experience visual stress due to:
1) an increase in the number and complexity of necessary eye movements and focusing skills,
2) poor lighting conditions, glare and distracting reflections,
3) screen flicker rate, and
4) above all, the extended amount of computer use." (Grossman 2005).
Grossman offeres numerous remedies for these problems, including:
- The screen brightness and contrast should be adjusted by the operator for the maximum viewing comfort
- The workstation lighting should provide a 10:3 ratio: screen characters 10 times brighter than the screen background; room illumination 3 times brighter than screen background
- Each workstation should have an adjustable shaded copy lamp that can be aimed by the operator without causing screen reflections
- Eliminate glare and screen reflections by moving or tilting the computer or getting an anti-glare screen.
- Try not to face toward windows or bright light sources
- Operators should face into an open space beyond the computer screen
- Clean the screen regularly as they attract dust
More information about migraine headaches and other physical symptomsas a consequence of computer use can be found here.
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