Thank you Lara for taking the time to find the links and show me how to find others!

Anyone try f.lux?

Hi Sharon,
I've been dealing with similar problems with returning to work. For some reason, computers seem to be a big problem...

I use flux all the time, it's a great program! Definitely give it a try. You should play with the settings to find what feels most comfortable for you in terms of brightness and temperature. When I first started out, I turned it all the way down, but I've been able to increase the temperature since then. You can use alt+page down to dim the screen when flux is running, and I still use this regularly. (I've already played with the monitor setting... I think I have brightness pretty low, and contrast turned up pretty high).

The important thing to avoid eye strain (on top of everything else) is that it's comfortable to look at the screen. If you turn the brightness down to help your brain, you'll want to dim the lights in your work area if possible. I am lucky enough to have an office, and am able to turn off the overhead lights and use an incandescent lamp instead. I also find it useful to wear a hat in the halls to avoid the brightness of the overhead lights.

If you haven't already, you should see an optometrist - especially if you have someone that has your records from pre-injury. In addition to assessing your eyes, they can advise you about computer related eye strain.

I'm surprised you're starting with 4 hours! I started back at 1 hour/day in November, and have gradually increased to only 3hours/day by now. I always insist that I can do my current amount with little to no symptoms before I start pushing to the next level. Once I decide to start increasing time, I add a little a day until I've added a half hour. Some times I might spend some time in the computer in the afternoon to break up the time. These push days usually leave me feeling pretty crappy. Once I've reached my goal, I work that number of hours until I have a bunch of really good days, then I try pushing again. It's very slow going, but I've managed pretty consistent progress like this.

Fortunately my manager and doctor are both on board with this method. It does mean that I work for time that I'm not paid for, because I'm only paid for the "doctor approved" time that I get a doctors note for, but I'm okay with that. It sounds like you might not be so lucky, but you could try suggesting it if you think it might work for you.

I hope this helps and isn't too rambling! (I can get pretty verbose...)