Save Your Vision Month: Healthy Eyes at the Computer
People who sit in front of a computer for long periods of time often encounter a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Headaches, neck strain, backaches and wrist pain are common, but, sadly, the most prevalent symptoms of prolonged computer use-eye strain, blurred vision and dry eye-are often overlooked. In fact, eye and vision problems are the most frequently reported health care problems among computer users.
Computer Vision Syndrome
These symptoms contribute to computer vision syndrome, which the American Optometric Association defines as "the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work that are experienced during or related to computer use."
Sitting at a computer generally causes a person to look straight ahead for long stretches, work in a dry office or home environment, and to blink less often. These factors can lead to vision problems. Additionally, computer use requires specific vision skills, which add further demands to the visual system and contribute to eye and vision discomfort. These skills include:
- Ocular motility - the ability of the eyes to move in various positions.
- Accommodation - the ability of the eyes to focus clearly at various distances.
- Vergence - The ability to move the eyes in (convergence) or out (divergence).
Tips for Healthy, Comfortable Vision at the Computer
While decreasing time spent at a computer may not be an option, there are ways to maximize healthy vision for comfortable use of the computer.
- Have a regular comprehensive eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and that you have the correct eyeglass or contact lens prescription (if necessary). Be certain to tell your optometrist about the computer work you do.
- Wear glasses that are specifically designed to function comfortably at the computer. The lenses you wear for day-to-day activities may not be the best for working at the computer.
- Rest the eyes
- Blink forcefully
- Use a humidifier
- Instill artificial tears
After you have had a comprehensive eye examination, there are a number of things that you can do to arrange and use the elements of your workstation to eliminate or minimize discomfort.
