Can you get migraine headaches from a computer screen?

14 years ago

Yes. I get headaches with extended viewing. It's the eye strain that causes it. I installed some software called Work Rave (free) that forces me to take a break.

I take an eye break every 20 min. At the 20 min mark, I look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It's called the 20/20/20 rule.

At 45 minutes, I get up and walk around or do the exercises in the Work Rave app.

Hope this helps!!

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KevinBurns

14 years ago

Thanks Jesus,

That was incredibly helpful

Thanks
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Jesus Perez 14 years ago

Originally Posted by KevinBurns

Thanks Jesus,

That was incredibly helpful

It's helped my headaches and eyestrain a LOT. Hope it helps you too.

FYI: This method was recommended by LifeHacker.com. Their website has lots of extra tips on ergonomics, and "work-life" hacks.
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Benjustin

14 years ago

nyay, Im not yet getting migraines but Im afraid of the after effect
so far its been 4 years Im facing computer daily for more than 12 hours a day

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Dean Jackson

14 years ago

Sometimes I begin to feel really lazy just sitting in front of the computer. I have to start hitting the gym again...

But yes, I do have headaches every now and then. Not sure if they're migraines though. I just turn the brightness on my computer screen down and it doesn't seem as bad.

I recommend everyone take breaks and and have a bottle of water nearby. Try and resist coffee!

- Dean

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Marc Meole

14 years ago

Yes...I do...just started the past couple years. The above advice will help, but if you do get them use valerian extract...you can find it at most health food stores like whole foods or a gnc...

I was on prescription but they were expensive...so one night I tried is and it worked faster then the meds...it has worked great every time...

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HeySal

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Marc Meole

Yes...I do...just started the past couple years. The above advice will help, but if you do get them use valerian extract...you can find it at most health food stores like whole foods or a gnc...

I was on prescription but they were expensive...so one night I tried is and it worked faster then the meds...it has worked great every time...

Valerian can be extremely dangerous - it interacts with many drugs, is addictive, and you can overdose on it and overdose has some nasty, and even fatal consequences. Withdrawl is dangerous if you accidentally get hooked, too.

If the headaches are migrane - feverfew is a safe herbal and won't make you drowsy. It will only work if the headache is a migraine though - there's a difference between a normal headache and a migraine that makes feverfew very effective for the migraine and worthless for the regular headaches.
I have to agree though - try taking breaks before you try any remedy. The brain is programmed for around a 50 minute attention span - get up every 50 minutes - move around, go outside and get a little exercise and sunshine.

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Sal
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kbnor

14 years ago

Originally Posted by HeySal

Valerian can be extremely dangerous - it interacts with many drugs, is addictive, and you can overdose on it and overdose has some nasty, and even fatal consequences. Withdrawl is dangerous if you accidentally get hooked, too.

If the headaches are migrane - feverfew is a safe herbal and won't make you drowsy. It will only work if the headache is a migraine though - there's a difference between a normal headache and a migraine that makes feverfew very effective for the migraine and worthless for the regular headaches.
I have to agree though - try taking breaks before you try any remedy. The brain is programmed for around a 50 minute attention span - get up every 50 minutes - move around, go outside and get a little exercise and sunshine.

I agree very much that taking a break and moving around every 50 minutes or so is very good idea. However, it's not fair to use the term 'extremely dangerous' about valerian. Take a look at, for example, webmdDOTcom's description of side effects of valerian, and I think you'll agree... To put things in perspective, I'd like to mention that it's proven that several (considered) regular mainstream medications are responsible for thousands and thousands of deaths in the U.S. every year, and those can surely be labeled extremely dangerous. But valerian? No.

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HeySal

14 years ago

Originally Posted by kbnor

I agree very much that taking a break and moving around every 50 minutes or so is very good idea. However, it's not fair to use the term 'extremely dangerous' about valerian. Take a look at, for example, webmdDOTcom's description of side effects of valerian, and I think you'll agree... To put things in perspective, I'd like to mention that it's proven that several (considered) regular mainstream medications are responsible for thousands and thousands of deaths in the U.S. every year, and those can surely be labeled extremely dangerous. But valerian? No.

If you want to tell me about pharms - you are preaching to the choir. Natural medicine has saved my hide twice and is healing my dog of cancer. (and the pharms can blow it out their *ss - I didn't use the word "cure" because they have a patent on that word. Which means when they say "incurable" all that means is there isn't a pharmaceutical drug or procedure that will cure the affliction). If it weren't for natureopathy, I'd not have lived, either. I was "incurable". Go figure.

I have no idea who is behind the website you have cited. Because the domain says med doesn't mean much to me- you or I could get one that has "med" in it for ten bucks.

Just because it's an herb doesn't make it safe to just go out and start taking it. You have to know what you are doing.
You don't want to take this herb at all if you are taking valium, Elavil, antidepressants, or with sedatives. It is addictive so must be taken with care, withdrawl is unpleasant at the very least. You can overdose on it - symptoms of overdose are weakening of heartbeat, giddiness, blurred vision, vertigo, paralysis, liver toxicity. Unfortunately - the amount that causes overdose is not verifiable.
People with heart conditions can kill themselves on this herb. It very often causes heart palpatations - although in most healthy people they are very weak ones. If you have a heart murmur or low blood pressure you need to stay away from this herb. It should NEVER be taken by a person under 12 or a pregnant woman.

While it's true most people don't have problems with it -- this is one that shouldn't be taken without the advice of a natureopath and one of those that are giving the FDA and AMA room to try to shut down natural supplements. I can't think of one darned thing that this herb does for anyone that there isn't a safer herb that will do the same thing.

And for use during working? It will cause attention lapses for a few hours. While a break might be needed at least every hour - if someone needs to get work done, this isn't the herb to use for a headache. If the headache is actually a migraine - feverfew is a safe herb and will not cause attention lapse.

You do not have to take my word for any of this but I highly urge you to seek your natureopath's advice before using Valarian and if it were up to me, it wouldn't be on store shelves. It only takes a few people to have deadly reactions before the AMA and pharms are breathing down our necks to take our supplements away from us.

Thanks

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Sal
When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
Beyond the Path

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KevinBurns

14 years ago

Thanks Dean and Marc,

Your advice is well taken

p.s.
Sorry Dean, I'm addicted to coffee... lol

Thanks

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pcpupil

14 years ago

Originally Posted by KevinBurns

I spend an average of 12-16 hours a day in front of my computer screen.

About a year ago I started getting some of the worst migraine headaches of my life.

They continue to go and come in spurts...

Someone told me it's because I spend too much time in front of my computer...

Is this true?

If so, does anybody have any good old fashion home remedies?

I just came from the optomatrist last month.Had to get new glasses.
During the little eye exam the med assistant told me that i need to keep my glasses on while working at the PC.

She told me that it gives off UV rays,just like the sun and she could see it in my eyes.
So on my new pair of glasses they put that thin film of UV coating on the lenses,no charge.

It acts like sunglasses but it is a clear film that cant be noticed.
Might help,might not.But im on my pc every night for at least 4 hrs nonstop.
I get no heaches.I dont need eyedrops,ect...

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KevinBurns

14 years ago

Originally Posted by pcpupil

I just came from the optomatrist last month.Had to get new glasses.
During the little eye exam the med assistant told me that i need to keep my glasses on while working at the PC.

She told me that it gives off UV rays,just like the sun and she could see it in my eyes.
So on my new pair of glasses they put that thin film of UV coating on the lenses,no charge.

It acts like sunglasses but it is a clear film that cant be noticed.
Might help,might not.But im on my pc every night for at least 4 hrs nonstop.
I get no heaches.I dont need eyedrops,ect...

Wow! I think you hit the nail on the head!
I think that's EXACTLY what I need....
GLASSES!!!

Thanks

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Anup Mahajan

14 years ago

I use EyeTrainer to give my eyes a break.. Its a good software that shows plenty of ways to relieve eye strain due to heavy computer use.

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misterhu

14 years ago

Yup. Too much eye strain or stress caused by bright monitors can trigger migraine headaches. Make sure to rest your eyes at an interval to prevent this problem. Adjust the brightness of your screen with the your room to avoid too bright displays.

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creative

14 years ago

Some people get headaches when they work with wireless internet connection, but not when their computer is connected to a modem through a cable.
I read that, in Sweden, kids are not allowed wi-fi at schools because they consider it's a risk to their health.

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KevinBurns

14 years ago

Originally Posted by creative

Some people get headaches when they work with wireless internet connection, but not when their computer is connected to a modem through a cable.
I read that, in Sweden, kids are not allowed wi-fi at schools because they consider it's a risk to their health.

wow... I didn't know that and I have wi-fi

Thanks

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benny02

14 years ago

By doing eye blinks after frequent intervals and eyes off the screen f computer can save a lot for your eyes. Having water or liquids can also help your cause of keping your eyes from getting strained and dry.

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guideebook

14 years ago

Hi,

I suffer from migraine too. But sometimes I work 8 to 10 hours in front the screen without any symthoms. I think the triggers for getting a migraine are differnet for most people, for me its often smell (burned plastic..)

But I discovered eye problems on the other hand. I red it is because of the high abount of blue light emited from the screen. I use a simple yellow foil now, which I taped on the screen. Seems somehow better now. A yellow sunglass will do too.

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Mark Pitt

14 years ago

I usually get a headache if I spend a whole day working on my computer. Good old fashion fresh air works best for me, especially first thing in the morning. When you have breaks I suggest just sitting outside for about 5 mins or going on a little walk.

I know this is incredibly simple but I got into the habit of doing this and it helps me to feel fresh during those long days working on the computer. I've had a bit of eye strain myself in the past and I've found theres no better cure than going outside regularly throughout the day.

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nathaliestyles

14 years ago

I always turn my screen brightness way down, helps a ton!

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pethanks

14 years ago

Maybe that is the major cause of that migraine. Much better you consult a doctor for that.

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TechGuy1

14 years ago

Keep some green plants around your sittings within your sight. Greenery is quite soothing & relaxes head & mind.
I remember a doctor's simple advice-blink your eyelids everytime you Hit Enter.
Adjusting screen brightness always helps.
This may help you reduce headaches.

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KevinBurns

14 years ago

Wow, Thanks! Lots of great advice from everyone!

Thanks

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deep12

14 years ago

You can develop continuous head ache but n risk of migraine is there, I guess.

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C2

14 years ago

My eyesight has deteriorated very quickly due to my extended exposure to the computer screen. I have been looking for a screen glare protector (is there really one?). My eyes are dry all the time so the doctor had to prescribe drops.

I try to rest my eyes, but I usually forget how long it has been.

Thanks Jesus for the work rave suggestion! I'm definitely gonna use it from now on!

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KevinBurns

14 years ago

Originally Posted by C2

My eyesight has deteriorated very quickly due to my extended exposure to the computer screen. I have been looking for a screen glare protector (is there really one?).

Yep, I know for a fact that I have done some damage to my eyes from the computer screen because for the past year or so I have had a hard time seeing at certain distances.

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C2

14 years ago

Originally Posted by KevinBurns

Yep, I know for a fact that I have done some damage to my eyes from the computer screen because for the past year or so I have had a hard time seeing at certain distances.

And it doesn't help that my break from looking at the computer screen is to look at the TV..lol

They say your eyesight really deteriorates with age...but I think it is accelerated by the long periods I spend on my computer.

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Kay King

14 years ago

Kevin -

Three things come to mind.

1. If you are using a CRT (don't think it applies to newer monitors but I could be wrong about that) the resolution might be a problem.

2. The reason you are having problems refocusing in the distance could simply be the hours spent keeping your eyes on the computer screen - as mentioned above - look away and refocus on a more distant item frequently.

3. Set your background color to a very light gray rather than the common white. This one thing removed a lot of eye strain for me as it cuts the contrast/brightness.

I'll add one more - why are you spending that much time in front of a computer? It's not healthy to sit for that long - leaves no time for exercise either.

kay

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KevinBurns

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

Kevin -

Three things come to mind.

1. If you are using a CRT (don't think it applies to newer monitors but I could be wrong about that) the resolution might be a problem.

2. The reason you are having problems refocusing in the distance could simply be the hours spent keeping your eyes on the computer screen - as mentioned above - look away and refocus on a more distant item frequently.

3. Set your background color to a very light gray rather than the common white. This one thing removed a lot of eye strain for me as it cuts the contrast/brightness.

I'll add one more - why are you spending that much time in front of a computer? It's not healthy to sit for that long - leaves no time for exercise either.

kay

Thanks Kay your advice was incredibly helpful

Everyone has contributed some really great tips

p.s. my screen resolution is set to 1600x900 on a big 20inch HP 2009m

Thanks

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CCGAL

14 years ago

Undiagnosed diabetes is responsible for much eye damage. I've never seen anything from a medical journal that indicated looking at a computer screen could damage your eyes. Not saying it doesn't ... just that I've never come across anything to suggest that it does.

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Kay King 14 years ago

On older CRT monitors, a refresh rate (resolution) set too low could cause eye strain. Don't know if it caused real damage to the eyes - but if it bothers you it's a problem anyway.
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C2

14 years ago

I think it's the strain on the eyes more than anything. It would probably be the same if you were glued to the TV all day.

For those like me who work online and use the computer the whole day, it has really accelerated the blurry vision I have now which has necessitated me to get glasses with a +1.00 setting (which is basically a magnifier for small fonts on books, etc.).

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Can you get migraine headaches from a computer screen?

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