Computers and Your Eyes

CHICAGO, IL, December 20, 2012 (Press-News.org) Our modern society's increasing reliance on screen-based technologies - including computers, smartphones, iPods, GPS devices, and more - has led to frequent eye strain and headaches among the general population. But why do computers cause eye strain, and what can be done to prevent it?

Computer Vision Syndrome

First, it is important to understand the full impact that a long day's work in front of a computer can have on you. If a stiff neck, burning eyes, headaches, and fatigued eyes all sound familiar to you, you may be one of many people suffering from a condition called computer vision syndrome (CVS).

Whenever your eyes are forced to focus on one particular thing for a long period of time, you tend to blink less. Studies show that working at a computer screen causes people to blink around five times less than usual which leads to the dry eye syndrome. This leads to fatigue and sore eyes. The use of an artificial tear drop can give great comfort to many who spend long hours staring at a screen.

For many of us, it is impossible to avoid working at a computer for long periods of time. If you have a desk job that relies on heavy computer use, there are a few practical ways you can prevent eye strain.

Computer Ergonomics

Computer ergonomics is the science of altering your workspace to decrease your risk of computer vision syndrome, repetitive strain injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome), and posture problems.

Some essential principles of computer ergonomics that you can put into effect today are:

- Computer monitor position - Position your monitor so the top part of the screen is at your eye level or slightly below it. The goal is to keep your head inline with your torso, and your neck upright.
- Chair type - Use a chair that is cushioned to support your lower back, and has a contour on the outer edge.
- Prevent glare - Be sure your computer display is adjusted so there are no reflections, glare, or outdoor lighting interfering with the screen.
- Use a document holder - If you frequently work with printed documents, use a document holder to display them at the same height and distance s your computer screen.

If you wear bifocals or trifocals and cannot find a good position for your monitor in order to comfortably read it, consider purchasing computer glasses. These glasses provide great vision for the intermediate zone, which is usually used for computer work, and also use special lens coatings to reduce glare.

Exercising Your Eyes

Another helpful way to relieve eye strain is to take a break every 20 minutes and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for around 20 seconds. This is called the "20-20-20 rule," and is used to help relax your eyes' focusing muscles.

If you have further questions about computer vision syndrome or dryness of your eyes, please visit the website of experienced Chicago eye doctor Dr. Mark Golden at Doctors For Visual Freedom at www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com.