If you work at a computer.......[Computer Vision Syndrome]

[Justin]

http://www.workrave.org/welcome/

I am lucky to have some of the best people around as my patients! A patient presented me this program yesterday, and gave it very high praise. She said that it has made her 10-12 hours per day of computer use much more comfortable.

Although I have only spent a few hours with this program, it appears to be very promising. I would like to invite all of you to do some informal testing. Any comments you can post would be very helpful to the many people who suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome and its associated Dry Eye.

[liz56]

Thanks!

Dear Dr. Bazan,

Thanks for this. It looks like it will be helpful. I have to be on the computer a lot for work, and this looks like a worthwhile way to manage time on-line.

--Liz

[Terri]

Dr. Bazan: I downloaded this software last week, and I like it. I adjusted the microbreak timer to five minutes, instead of three, since I felt the default setting was too short. I use the microbreaks to breathe deeply, consciously let go of stress, and look out the window to change my focus to a distant object.

It took some getting used to but, after a day at work using Workrave, I feel less tired and stressed. The frequent focus changes also appear to help improve my visual acuity.

Thanks for posting this!

Terri

[mflores22]

If for any reason you can't install this program on your work computer, you can set up a 'meeting' (I usually name the meeting 'eye break' or something like that) in Outlook, then just hit snooze for 5, 10, or 15 minutes when the meeting pops up to remind you that you need to take a mini-break for your eyes.

[bassfan]

I used to use a similar program at my previous job, because of wrist tendonitis...but they definitely help with everything. I can't have one here at my new position for security reasons but supposedly by this summer they might have one available. I'll definitely be first on the list to get it when i can. I'd recommend this for every "computer" person.

bassfan

[acarol]

If for any reason you can't install this program on your work computer, you can set up a 'meeting' (I usually name the meeting 'eye break' or something like that) in Outlook, then just hit snooze for 5, 10, or 15 minutes when the meeting pops up to remind you that you need to take a mini-break for your eyes.

how do i do this on Outlook?

[Justin]

IT guys can do pretty much anything they want to your computers. I have written "doctor's notes" to clear the installation of this program on supposedly "locked" systems. See if your IT guy is willing to hear you and/or your doctor out.

I have been working with this program at home since I posted about it. Here are my personal settings and tips.

Micro Timer: 20 seconds every 20 mins. Do not allow the ability to postpone or skip! I do suspend the timer when inactive. This is where I close my eyes and relax.

Rest Break: 5 mins every 1 hour. Do not allow the ability to postpone or skip! This is when I get a glass of water and sometimes apply freshkote. I have a full 5 mins of 10 different exercises set, but I do not do them consistently.

Daily Limit: Timer Not Enabled (I might begin to use this on days where I am working from home)

Using this program alone will do little to nothing for you, but it is a wonderful adjunct to your current tx regime.

PS Thanks for posting the outlook tip...good to know.