Software & Tips to reduce eye strain and fatigue when working on computers.  (Many tips apply to mobile devices also.)

Adjust Background/Foreground Colors

• Windows PC Background & Accent Colors

  • Click Windows 'Start' button (lower left corner of screen), click Settings (gear icon), then click 'Personalization', then 'Colors'.

  • Use the Light/Dark/Custom to adjust your colors which affect many items in Windows system.  As you change colors, you'll see the preview window change.

• Outlook Colors

  • In Outlook, go to toolbar and select 'File', then 'Office Account' (bottom of menu column), then choose option from 'Office Theme' dropdown.

Adjust Font Size

• Windows PC Accessibility (Ease of Access) settings – increase font size:
  Search for ‘Font Size’ using Windows Search (magnifying glass icon) in taskbar… Use slider to increase text size where comfortable, then click ‘Apply’ button.

• Use ‘Zoom’ option in browsers to enlarge text

  • Chrome -- Click 3 dots button in upper right corner then adjust Zoom percentage

  • Firefox -- Click menu button in upper right corner then adjust Zoom percentage

  • Edge -- Click 3 dots button in upper right corner then adjust Zoom percentage

Magnifier/Reader

• Zoom Text

  • Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email.

Text-to-Speech (TTS) Software

• Natural Reader

  • Features online and desktop versions and multiple options for use:

  • Option 1:  Load documents into its library and have them read aloud from there. Includes OCR, which enables you to load up a photo or scan of text, and have it spoken to you

  • Option 2:  Floating toolbar. In this mode, you can highlight text in any application and use the toolbar controls to start and customize text-to-speech. This means you can very easily use the feature in your web browser, word processor and a range of other programs.
    There's also a Chrome browser extension to convert web content to speech more easily.

• Read Aloud

  • This Google Chrome browser extension is user-friendly and can help readers hear web content read aloud to them. Once the extension is installed, users can open any webpage and click the Read Aloud shortcut.

• Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Office 365 products – Read Aloud

  • In Word - on the Review tab, select Read Aloud.

  • To play Read Aloud, select Play in in the controls.

  • To pause Read Aloud, select Pause.

  • To skip from one paragraph to another, select Previous or Next.

  • To exit Read Aloud, select Stop (x).

• MS Teams

  • Hear posts, chat messages, and assignments read aloud using Immersive Reader in Microsoft Teams for Education. Immersive Reader also includes grammar tools such as Parts of Speech and Picture Dictionary.

  • Hover over a message with your cursor or tap with your finger on a touch screen device.

  • Select More options (3 dots button), and then Immersive Reader.

• Outlook email

  • In Microsoft Outlook, next to the Quick Access Toolbar, click Customize Quick Access Toolbar.

  • Scroll down and click More Commands.

  • In the Choose commands from list, select All Commands.

  • Scroll down to the Speak command, select it, and then click Add. Click OK.

• NVDA – free screen reader – can adjust voices, reading speed, etc.

  • NVDA Quick Keyboard Commands List

Blue Light reduction - monitor screen

• Flux ‘Blue light’ Reducer -- reduces blue light on your pc which can cause eye strain
  Flux allows you to adjust the color spectrum on your pc based on time of day… or you can manually reduce blue light when needed. 

  • NOTE:  Do not use this software for any student K-12 data due to regulations. Approved for R10 staff use only.

Helpful Tips

• Blink often to refresh your eyes. Many people blink less than usual when working at a computer, which can contribute to dry eyes. Blinking produces tears that moisten and refresh your eyes. Try to make it a habit to blink more often when looking at a monitor. Can also use natural tears eye drops to keep eye more moist.

• Take eye breaks. Throughout the day, give your eyes a break by looking away from your monitor. Try the 20-20-20 rule:  Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Check the lighting and reduce glare. Bright lighting and too much glare can strain your eyes and make it difficult to see objects on your monitor. The worst problems are generally from sources above or behind you, including fluorescent lighting and sunlight. Consider turning off some or all of the overhead lights. If you need light for writing or reading, use an adjustable desk lamp. Close blinds or shades, and avoid placing your monitor directly in front of a window or white wall. Place an anti-glare cover over the screen./li>

• Adjust your monitor. Position your monitor directly in front of you about an arm's length away so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. It also helps to have a chair you can adjust.

• Use a document holder. If you need to refer to print material while you work on your computer, place it on a document holder. The goal is to reduce how much your eyes need to readjust and how often you turn your neck and head.

• Adjust your monitor screen settings. Enlarge the type for easier reading. And adjust the contrast and brightness to a level that's comfortable for you.