In today’s segment we will discuss the effect of trading on your eyes.

Many traders spend 12hrs + a day staring at our computer screens looking for that trade. If you have been trading for a while it’s very likely that you have experienced some kind of eye related stress. This can manifest itself in eye strain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms as a result of continuous computer usage. This form of stress on the visual system can also cause body fatigue, reduced efficiency and concentration.

Spending too much time looking at a computer screen may raise your risk of the vision-robbing eye disease glaucoma, particularly if you're nearsighted, according to a Japanese study. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that ultimately cause damage to the optic nerve. It can lead to blindness if not treated. Heavy computer users who were farsighted or nearsighted seemed to have a higher risk for visual field abnormalities, say the researchers. Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, December 2004; vol 58: pp 1021-1027

Why do we experience these problems? Homo Sapiens evolved to have hunters eyes, perfect for spotting prey at a distance. The changes in human recreational and working behavior over the last 50 years have meant that most of the tasks that we undertake have shifted our vision to an arm’s length; this is especially true for traders.

Many traders experience visual stress due to: 1) an increase in the number and complexity of necessary eye movements and focusing skills, 2) poor lighting conditions, glare and distracting reflections, 3) screen flicker rate, and 4) above all, the extended amount of computer use.

Computer visual stress may underlie many direct and indirect symptoms. Eyestrain is a common direct symptom, while the need for shifts in posture and muscular strain resulting from poorly arranged work stations cause eye problems indirectly and other physical problems directly.

Direct Computer Eye Stress Symptoms

• headaches while doing or following computer use
• irritated and/or dry eyes
• blurred vision
• slow refocusing when looking from screen to distance objects
• frequently losing place when moving eyes between copy and the screen
• difficulty seeing clearly at a distance after prolonged computer use
• occasional doubling of vision
• changes in color perception
• changes in glasses prescription

How you can look after and maintain your eye health

Let’s start with changes to your computer screens and trading environment

Reduce Glare

Reducing glare will dramatically reduce the strain on your eyes. Use non-reflective interfaces whenever possible. When you have to use a screen make sure it is at a 90 degree angle from any direct light source. Use indirect or reflective lighting whenever possible. Anti Glare filters that are placed over your computer screens can make big difference.

Adjust Contrast

Ensure there is good contrast with what you are looking at but reduce contrast for periphery. More contrast makes edges more discernible so the eyes don't have to focus as much. But too much contrast with the surrounding area will cause strain through your peripheral vision. Keep overall lighting levels at a moderate level so there is good contrast around you but glare does not become a problem. Use task lighting to aid eyesight at specific tasks.

Adjust the contrast setting on monitors and screens to the best effect. Use glasses or sunglasses with polarized lenses as they increase contrast and cut down on glare.

Adjust Color

Use full spectrum lighting. Lighting, like sunlight, that covers the visual spectrum makes things easier to see. Adjust the color setting on monitors and screens. Some even allow you to adjust the color temperature. Use a combination of florescent and incandescent lighting. Use full spectrum florescent bulbs. GE makes a bulb called "Reveal" that improves the color spectrum of incandescent bulbs dramatically. Full spectrum lighting has the added benefit of fighting off the "winter blues.'

Direct care for your eyes

Eye Gels and Eye Baths

Staring at computer screens for hours on end as well causing a variety of damaging symptoms can also result in dry eyes which more than anything can leave your eyes feeling uncomfortable and itchy, not the best situation for any trader having to focus for hours on end. Eye gels like “Viscotears” and eye baths can provide welcome relief for dry eyes making you more comfortable

A Healthy Diet

One of the simplest steps you can take to improve or strengthen your eyesight is eating a healthy diet rich in complex vitamins and minerals. You know the saying "you are what you eat." If you chronically eat a diet high in processed or "fast" foods there is a good chance your body is not getting the vitamins, minerals and other supportive nutrients it needs to function well. That means your eyes or your vision may also suffer.

Be sure you eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains. When possible you should avoid eating overly processed foods. That includes any food that comes in a package with a long list of ingredients (preservatives).

Complementary and Alternative Exercises for maintaining eye health

Palming

The palming exercise will teach you to relax your eyes, which in turn will bring healthy energy to your eyes.

• First, rub your hands together until they feel warm (about 15 to 20 seconds). Then place your cupped hands over your closed eyes, being careful not to touch your eyes with the palms of your hands. The fingers of each hand should overlap and rest gently on the center of your forehead. Don't create any unnecessary pressure on your face. If your arms get tired, rest your elbows on a table.
• Sit quietly for one to two minutes with your hands over your eyes. The more relaxed you become, the blacker the darkness you will see with your eyes closed.

Near-far focus

This exercise improves eye flexibility:

• Hold your thumb six inches from your nose.
• Focus on your thumb.
• Take one deep breath and exhale slowly.
• Then focus on an object about 20 feet away.
• Take another deep breath and slowly exhale.
• Repeat back and forth 15 times

Scanning

This exercise helps you increase the flexibility of your eyes.

• Sitting or standing at one end of a room, let your eyes scan around the edges of objects in the room - clocks, televisions, doors, lights, computers, etc.
• The object of this exercise is to keep your eyes moving in a loose and fluid way.
• Do this exercise for two minutes.
• Remember to breathe.

Hydrotherapy

• Place a bowl of hot water and a bowl of cold water in front of you. The hot water should be hot but not so hot that it burns you. The cold water should be ice cold, so either put ice cubes in it or get it out of the refrigerator.
• Put a wash cloth in each bowl.
• Place the wash cloth from the bowl of hot water against your closed eyes for 30 seconds.
• Then do the same with the wash cloth from the bowl of cold water.
• Continue to alternate the hot and cold wash cloths.
• Finish by gently massaging your closed eyes with a dry towel.
• Do this for two minutes.

Head Rolls

This exercise is to relax your neck, head and face muscles and reduce shoulder tension.

• Take a deep breath and close your eyes.
• On the exhale, slowly drop your chin to your chest. Relax your neck and shoulders.
• As you inhale deeply again, slowly and gently roll your head around to the left, then back, keeping your shoulders still and relaxed.
• Make your movements slowly, carefully and deliberately.
• Now exhale full as you roll your head to the other side and down to your chest again.
• Repeat this sequence twice then change directions and repeat twice more.

You only get one pair of eyes and they are the most vital tool in every traders arsenal, be sure to care for your eyes, trade long and prosper.

Article provided by Pivotfarm – The Home of Support and Resistance Trading