Do You Suffer From Computer Vision Syndrome?
Improper Arrangement of Computers and Prolonged Use May
Strain Eyesight
(ARA) – Do you use computers daily at work or at home? If so,
you may be suffering from computer vision syndrome and not even
know it. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA),
this syndrome leaves people vulnerable to problems like dry eye,
eyestrain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue.
These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor
work station configuration and improper work habits.
Pre-existing, uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness
and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination
abilities, and age-related eye issues also contribute to
computer vision syndrome.
According to the AOA, working at a computer requires a great
deal of eye movement and eye focusing. The constant re-focusing
effort stresses the eye muscle, leading to computer-related
vision problems. It can have a great impact on individuals’
comfort and productivity, whether they are at work, school or
home.
According to a survey conducted by the AOA, Americans are
feeling the pain of computer vision syndrome. Forty-one percent
said they have experienced eye strain, and 45 percent cited neck
or back pain after prolonged computer or handheld device use.
Many of these symptoms are temporary and will improve after
ceasing computer work. However, some individuals may continue to
experience visual problems, such as blurred distance vision,
even after computer work has stopped. If the causes of the
problem are not addressed, the symptoms will recur, and perhaps
worsen, with future computer use.
Special computer glasses and computer screen filters are
available to help reduce glare and discomfort, but only 11
percent of Americans currently use these devices.
Computer users can follow these guidelines to prevent or reduce
eye and vision problems associated with computer vision
syndrome:
* Have your vision checked regularly. Before the age of 60,
adults should have comprehensive eye exams every two years, or
as recommended by an eye doctor (yearly at age 61). Vision and
eye health can change rapidly and frequently, particularly as
one ages. Therefore, having one’s vision examined on a regular,
timely basis is important to maintaining overall health and for
preventive reasons.
* Limit the amount of time you continuously use the computer.
Practicing the 20/20 rule (look away from the computer every 20
minutes for 20 seconds) will minimize the development of
eye-focusing problems and eye irritation caused by infrequent
blinking.
* Check the height and arrangement of the computer. Optometrists
suggest more comfortable computer viewing can be achieved when
the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen
should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches)
as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches
from the eyes.
* Check for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light
sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of
the monitor. When this occurs, turn the desk or computer to
prevent glare on the screen.
* Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the
computer screen. A smaller light can be substituted for a bright
overhead light or a dimmer switch can be installed to give
flexible control of room lighting. Turn three-way bulbs to the
lowest setting.
* Keep blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye
when using a computer, make an effort to blink frequently.
Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist.
Viewing a computer screen is different than reading a printed
page, reminds the AOA. Often the letters on the computer screen
are not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast of
the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of
glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult.
For additional information regarding computer vision syndrome,
please visit www.aoa.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
