I noticed for the past couple of weeks that I’ve been getting really bad headaches when I’m working in front of my computer. The headaches are localized to my forehead though. I was worried that my sight just took a turn for the worse. So I set an appointment for a check-up at the American Eye Center.
Back in 1996, I underwent Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) to correct my myopia. My doctor at that time said that my sight might worsen again in the future due to lifestyle and age. I last had my post-op check-up in 2007. I was diagnosed with slight myopia, but it wasn’t bad enough to need a retouch. In my recent check-up, my sight grade didn’t change at all. I was diagnosed with eye fatigue with slight dry eye. My lifestyle finally caught up with me.
Waldo checking out my eye drops
The doctor told me to use an ophthalmic lubricant (GenTeal) to use as needed. He doesn’t recommend using Visine or Eye-Mo since they’re harsh on the eyes for everyday use, even those “daily use” ones. He also told me to take frequent breaks away from the computer. The advice has made me rethink about the way I work. It also made me realize that taking frequent off-computer breaks is not really an option but a necessity.
To help me with my breaks, I reinstalled WorkRave on my computer and configured it with what I learned using the Pomodoro Technique. That is, 25-minute time slots for work, 5-minute breaks and 15-minute breaks for every consecutive four work slots done. I also listen to my body now. When my forehead starts aching, I take a break away from the computer. I use the breaks to see if I need to use the lubricant and to go get a glass of water. Maybe I should take Vitamin A supplements as well.
I also will have to give up on pulling all-nighters. It’s also a source of stress on the eyes. Indeed, while this is said to be part of the life of a developer, I’ve realized that it shouldn’t be and I should find ways to avoid this from ever happening.
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