8.02.2008

Combat computer-related eye issues

Computers have become an integral part of daily life. They're used at work, when shopping, at school, and often for recreational purposes. While computer usage certainly has its advantages, prolonged or constant use of computers can lead to certain problems, most notably eye strain and fatigue.
There are many computer tasks that are known offenders in regard to visual discomfort. These include intense games and graphics, tasks with few breaks from the screen, detailed tasks such as desktop publishing or computer assisted design (CAD), and work that requires frequent changes from looking at the screen to hard copy, such as with data entry.
What causes many of these vision problems is a reduced rate of blinking when engaged in computer use. Normally, a person blinks on average 12 to 15 times per minute. When using a computer, that number is significantly reduced. The end result is dry eyes, fatigue and strain. In fact, dry eyes, eye strain, and blurring are the common complaints eye doctors hear from frequent computer users. These complaints are often associated with headaches and neck and arm discomfort.
Maximizing Comfort
There are steps a person can take to improve eye health and comfort when using a computer. Here are some initial strategies to try:
·Place the monitor farther away, since eye strain is more pronounced when doing tasks close up. The screen should be no closer than 18 inches from the user. Many doctors say that 24 to 30 inches from the face is ideal.
·Reduce glare by adjusting the monitor contrast so that the screen is less bright. There are also specially designed screen filters that may help.
·Take frequent breaks. Depending upon computer use, move away from the work station every 30 to 60 minutes to rest the eyes.
·Exercise the eyes by looking away from the screen and focusing in on something farther away. Stretch the eyes by looking up and down, and far left and far right.
·Use moderate background lighting with supplemental task lighting for hard copy documents. The illumination from the screen should closely match the light reflected from the document.
·Place hard copy documents in a copy holder at the same distance away as the computer monitor.
Taking Further Steps
For those who find that these easy steps are not enough to eliminate eye problems, it could be time to talk to an optometrist. He or she can further assess the situation and either offer more strategies or prescribe lenses that will work to maximize comfort. Supplementary eye lubricants and ocular exercises and other vision therapy may be recommended.
A person may also want to investigate special tints and coatings for lenses. Certain tints can make some individuals more comfortable under fluorescent illumination. And contrary to popular belief, anti-reflection coated lenses do not eliminate reflections from the screen but do reduce reflections off the spectacle lenses and may make users more comfortable.
For more information on computer-related eye strain, visit your eye doctor and discuss any trouble you may be having.

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