Can you get migraine headaches from a computer screen?

by 32 replies
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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?
#off topic forum #computer #headaches #migraine #screen
  • 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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  • Thanks Jesus,

    That was incredibly helpful
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    • 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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  • 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
  • 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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  • 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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    • 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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  • Thanks Dean and Marc,

    Your advice is well taken

    p.s.
    Sorry Dean, I'm addicted to coffee... lol
  • 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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    • Wow! I think you hit the nail on the head!
      I think that's EXACTLY what I need....
      GLASSES!!!
  • 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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  • 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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    • 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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  • 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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  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • 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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  • 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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  • I always turn my screen brightness way down, helps a ton!
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  • Maybe that is the major cause of that migraine. Much better you consult a doctor for that.
  • 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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  • Wow, Thanks! Lots of great advice from everyone!
  • You can develop continuous head ache but n risk of migraine is there, I guess.
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    • 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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  • 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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    • 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.
  • 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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