Time flies
as fast as a blink; I have been working in Vision College for more than a year
now. Still remember for the first two months when I was based in the office
(Yes! the same office that you are sitting and reading this) that was when eye care
is still under renovation, and I experienced being an office lady. During those
days, I saw everyone staring at their laptop and committed to their work.
At the
same time, I also noticed staffs looking at the screen closely; almost kissing
the screen and some will lift up the laptop using books to adjust their eye
level.
Computer Vision Syndrome, also
referred to as Digital Eye Strain, describes
a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer,
tablet, e-reader and cell phone use. Many individuals experience eye discomfort
and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The
level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.
The most common symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) or Digital
Eye Strain are:
·
eyestrain
·
headaches
·
blurred vision
·
dry eyes
·
neck and shoulder pain
These symptoms may be caused by:
- poor
lighting
- glare
on a digital screen
- improper
viewing distances
- poor
seating posture
- uncorrected
vision problems
- a combination of these factors
How can this treated?
Solutions to digital screen-related vision problems are varied. However, they
can usually be alleviated by obtaining regular eye care and making changes in
how you view the screen.
Eye Care
In some cases, individuals who do not require the use of eyeglasses for other
daily activities may benefit from glasses prescribed specifically for computer
use. In addition, persons already wearing glasses may find their current
prescription does not provide optimal vision for viewing a computer.
Eyeglasses or contact lenses
prescribed for general use may not be adequate for computer work. Lenses
prescribed to meet the unique visual demands of computer viewing may be needed.
Special lens designs, lens powers or lens tints or coatings may help to
maximize visual abilities and comfort.
Blue
filter lens help to filter out harmful blue light. It help to avoid damages to
macular and relieve eye fatigue by reduce transmission of blue light.
Some computer users experience
problems with eye focusing or eye coordination that can't be adequately
corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. A program of vision therapy may be
needed to treat these specific problems. Vision therapy, also called visual
training, is a structured program of visual activities prescribed to improve
visual abilities. It trains the eyes and brain to work together more
effectively. These eye exercises help re-mediate deficiencies in eye movement,
eye focusing and eye teaming and reinforce the eye-brain connection. Treatment
may include office-based as well as home training procedures.
Viewing the Computer
Proper body positioning for computer use.
Some important factors in preventing or reducing the symptoms of CVS have to do
with the computer and how it is used. This includes lighting conditions, chair
comfort, location of reference materials, position of the monitor, and the use
of rest breaks.
Location of computer screen- Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer
when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15
to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center
of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
Reference materials- These materials should be located above the keyboard and
below the monitor. If this is not possible, a document holder can be used
beside the monitor. The goal is to position the documents so you do not need to
move your head to look from the document to the screen.
Seating position- Chairs should be comfortably padded and conform to the
body. Chair height should be adjusted so your feet rest flat on the floor. If
your chair has arms, they should be adjusted to provide arm support while you
are typing. Your wrists shouldn't rest on the keyboard when typing.
Lighting- Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly
from overhead lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace
the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.
Anti-glare screens- If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources,
consider using a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of
light reflected from the screen.
Rest breaks- To prevent eyestrain, try to rest your eyes when using the
computer for long periods. Rest your eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of
continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look
into the distance for 20 seconds to allow your eyes a chance to refocus.
Blinking- To minimize your chances of developing dry eye when using
a computer, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front
surface of your eye moist.
Reference:
1. American Optometric Association:
http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome
Prepared by,
Zoey Tee Ru Fang
Optometrist/Lecturer
Vision College
