Computer Vision
Have you ever added up the time you spend in front of your computer, tablet, smart phone, or other electronic device? Looking at screens is a normal part of our lives in the 21st century.
There are many factors that determine the strain your body feels as
you work on a computer or other digital device, including room
lighting, distance from the screen, glare on the screen, seating posture, and the angle of your head and/or any existing vision problems you may have. One or all of these may combine to cause an uncomfortable amount of strain on your eyes.
Symptoms may include:
• Blurry vision
• Eye Strain and discomfort
• Headaches
• Dry, scratchy eyes
• Neck and/or shoulder pain
Even if you never had any eye problems before, you may have
computer vision syndrome symptoms after a brief amount of screen
time and can worsen and cause other vision
problems.
Depending on your age, health and
occupation, a comprehensive eye exam
is recommended every 1-2 years.
The severity of computer vision syndrome symptoms depends on how long you stare at the computer, your posture, lighting, glare, the angle of the monitor, and whether or not you have other diagnosed or undiagnosed vision problems.
If you already suffer from astigmatism, myopia, presbyopia, aging eyes, and/or diabetic eye problems, your computer vision symptoms may worsen. This can even be the case if you already wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
Many regular contact lenses, eyeglasses and sunglasses are not designed to deflect the problems caused by computer screens. More computer friendly lenses are available. For people with otherwise normal eyes and vision, a set of specially-designed glasses used during the time you spend on a computer or screen can be very helpful.
In addition to these treatment options, there are many things we can suggest to cut down on computer eye strain problems:
Computer Setup Adjust your monitor so that it is about 15-20 degrees lower than your eye level when seated between 20-28 inches away from the screen. Also, invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor to help reduce glare from surrounding lights. Be sure to sit and work with proper posture.
Adjust Lighting
Reposition any lighting, or your computer, to minimize glare and use natural lighting whenever possible.
Eye Rest and Blinking Breaks
Every 20 minutes, look away toward a distant point for 20 seconds to refocus your eyes, and give them a
20 minute break after each 2 hour computer session. Also remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.
With a combination of the proper optometry care and self-care, you
can minimize computer vision syndrome symptoms.