How to Save Your Eyes from Your Screen (Part 1)

Stuck at work, staring at the computer screen for long hours? What can you do to help soothe your tired eyes? Here is a list of 10 tools and tips you can use to help with this problem.

1. Use Microsoft Clear Type

If you are using Windows XP, this free tool changes the way fonts are rendered on your monitor, making the text appear “smoother” and more legible. While it works well on CRT monitors, this technology comes into it’s own when you are using an LCD screen – Check out the sample differences below.

cleartype

cleartype

2. Use Off White Window Backgrounds

Try adjusting your window backgrounds to be slightly off-white. While it may take some getting used to, you’ll start to feel the difference once the screen glare is gone. Go to Control Panel –> Display Properties –> Appearance –> Advanced –> Window –> Color –> Other , and then tweak it ever so slightly to a darker shade of white. This is one way to make the screen seem less intense, while still maintaining the monitor brightness.

3. Adjust Firefox Fonts

If you use the Firefox browser, you can hold down Ctrl + or – to change the font size on the web page. Alternatively, you can hold down Ctrl and use the mouse scroll wheel for the same effect.

4. Try Big.com

For those of you who use Internet Explorer, The Big.com Web Magnifier is a free toolbar for Internet Explorer 6.0 that magnifies most Web pages. This utility was designed for people who prefer to see Web pages displayed in a larger format. It currently only works with IE though.

5. Change Your Physical Surroundings

Altering your working environment can make a big difference when it comes to eye strain. The nice folks at Fairview gave out the following tips:

* Put your monitor 22 to 28 inches from your eyes. Then, make sure the top of the screen is no higher than eye-level.
* If you need to look back and forth between your paper and your computer screen, use a paper holder that holds your paper next to the computer screen (at the same height and distance as your computer monitor).
* Try to keep the room lighting at about the same brightness as the computer screen. Avoid having a bright window in front of you or behind you. This really helps cut glare and reflections.

6. Try Internet Explorer 7 Page Zoom7. Change Monitor Size

8. Use Large Icons & Fonts

9. Change Your Resolution & Screen Brightness

10. Try Windows Magnifier

(More Eye Saving Tips to Follow in Part 2)

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