Your Computer and Your Eyes

We are in a century were every information we want is gotten through the use of computers, tablets, etc in our homes and
offices.

Most people complain of eye irritation (dry eye, itchy eyes, red eyes), blurred vision, eyestrain, headache, backaches, neck aches, muscle fatigue, etc after prolonged use of computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone. These symptoms are characterized as computer or digital vision syndrome.

Although research have shown that computer vision syndrome does not cause any permanent damage to the eye but the symptoms they present can affect workplace performance or the enjoyment of home activities. These symptoms are usually worst when the individual has an uncorrected refractive error (myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism).

Working on a computer is more demanding and challenging to the eyes than reading a book because the eyes have to deal with contrast, flickers and glare from the screen of these devices (computers, tablets, cell phones, etc).

 Most of the visual symptoms are temporary and resolves when the individual stops using the digital devices. However, in some individuals, the visual symptoms may continue despite withdrawal from the use of the digital device and if nothing is done to address the cause of the problem, the symptoms might worsen with future digital use.

Computer or digital vision syndrome can be prevented or reduced if the individual controls the lighting and glare on the computer screen, establish and maintain a proper working distance and posture for viewing the screen and correct his or her refractive error no matter how minor they might be.

In addition, the following steps will help minimize the visual symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome.

Avoid Glare; Reduce glare on your computer screen by closing any nearby window (or use curtains) from which the glare is reaching your computer screen. You can also move your monitor a little bit until the glare disappears. Cover your lamps and bulbs with glare screens and cover your monitor, tablet and cell phone with glare filter.

Adjust your computer Settings; Adjust your computer font size, brightness and contrast until you get the adjustment that suits your vision. The individual is advised to increase the computer font size, reduce the brightness and normalize the contrast until he or she is comfortable.

Position your Monitor Properly; Position your monitor slightly below (4-6 inches) your eye level and 20-28 inches away from you. To prevent looking up at your screen and back down at your desk while typing, put your typing material on a stand and place it near your monitor. At this position, you won’t be stretching your neck or strain your eyes to see what’s on the monitor and your typing material.

Take a Break; Always look away from your monitor every 20 minutes before you continue with your computer work. Blink as often as possible while working on your computer to keep your eyes moist and if your eyes are getting unnecessarily dry, visit an optometrist for lubricating eye drops.

Visit your Eye Doctor; Thorough eye examination by an optometrist will review the cause of these visual symptoms because some of the conditions causing computer vision syndrome are refractive error related. Hence the optometrist will determine if you need glasses, contact lenses, special computer glasses or lubricating eye drops.