Myasthenia gravis symptoms can change over the course of a day. If you tend to have more energy in the morning, try to schedule demanding computer tasks then, and save lower-effort work for later. Planning less demanding computer tasks for when your energy is dwindling may help you save your energy for more demanding work.

You can read more about fatigue management strategies and track when typing, reading, or focusing feels easiest. Your pattern may differ from someone else’s, and you shouldn’t change the timing or dose of a myasthenia gravis medication without talking with your healthcare provider.

Repeated muscle use can worsen myasthenia gravis weakness, while rest may help it improve. Try shorter work blocks with planned pauses to look away from the monitor and your phone, relax your eyes, change position, or rest your hands and arms.

Notice whether muscle weakness and fatigue build during a task or improve after a break. Rest before you feel completely depleted, and talk with your neurologist if fatigue or weakness is new, severe, or changing.

Eye symptoms such as double vision, drooping eyelids, blurred vision, or light sensitivity can make reading and screen use more difficult. Computer accessibility features may help you customize the display.

Try:

• Increasing text size
• Using screen magnification or high-contrast settings
• Lowering glare
• Choosing lighting that feels comfortable

For more on managing eye symptoms, talk with an eye care professional or neurologist about options such as an eye patch, eyelid crutch, or eyeglass prisms.

A supportive setup may reduce the effort needed to hold your head up, reach for a mouse, or keep your arms lifted. Consider an adjustable chair, monitor riser, forearm support, keyboard or mouse tray, footrest, or alternative keyboard and mouse. Ergonomic computer equipment can be matched to the tasks that tire you most.

If you use a laptop, an external keyboard and mouse can help you position your screen at a comfortable height and distance.

Keep frequently used items within easy reach, and try to do computer tasks in a position that lets you relax your shoulders. An occupational therapist may be able to help you set up your workstation to make computer work easier.

If typing, gripping a mouse, or holding a phone becomes tiring, try voice-to-text software, keyboard shortcuts, a headset, handwriting-recognition software, or an alternative keyboard. Some people may also benefit from dictating notes or asking someone to help with certain tasks. Workplace technology options can reduce repetitive hand and arm use.

Ask your employer’s information technology team whether your current computer already includes accessibility tools. You can also ask an occupational therapist or vocational specialist to help match a tool to your job duties.

You may be able to ask for adjustments such as scheduled rest breaks, flexible start times, telework, a supportive chair, or help with tasks that make your muscle weakness worse. Work accommodations for myasthenia gravis can be ongoing or used when symptoms are worse.

When you ask, describe the job task that is difficult and the change that may help you complete it. If your employer requests documentation, ask your healthcare provider to describe your work-related functional limits rather than sharing more medical information than necessary.