|
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
THE PROBLEM:
  Computer
vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition that affects many computer users.
Approximately 70% of computer workers are reported to having vision
problems. The symptoms CVS include eyestrain, dry or burning eyes, blurred
vision, headaches, double vision, distorted color vision, and neck and
backaches. The condition is caused by various factors. One factor is poor
visual skills such as accommodative (eye focusing) skills or binocularity
(eye coordination/eye teaming) skills. Another factor is the tendency of
computer users to stare at monitors for long periods without changing eye
focus from time to time. The distance between a computer user and a
monitor is another factor. Room lighting, monitor glare, screen color,
print color, and print size can also be contributing factors to this
condition.
It is estimated that over 100 million working Americans
suffer from computer eyestrain. Nearly 54 million children connect to the
Internet each day either at home or in school. If you or your child spend
more than two hours each day in front of a computer screen, you likely
experience some symptoms of computer vision syndrome or CVS:
* Headaches
* Loss of focus
* Burning/tired eyes
* Double vision
* Blurred vision
* Neck and shoulder pains
CVS is caused by our eyes and brain reacting
differently to characters on the screen than they do to printed
characters. Until now, traditional eye exams for near vision have resulted
in eyewear suited for reading printed material, not for viewing computer
screens.
Our eyes respond well to most printed material, which is characterized by
its dense black characters with well-defined edges which contrast markedly
from their light background. Healthy eyes can easily maintain focus on the
printed page.
Characters on a computer screen, however, don't have
this contrast, or well-defined edges. These characters are brightest at
their centers and diminish in intensity toward their edges. Our eyes are
unable to maintain focus and remain on plane with these images. They
instead drift out to a point called the resting point of accommodation (RPA).
Our eyes constantly move to the RPA, and then strain to
regain focus on the screen. This continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing
muscles creates fatigue and the burning, tired eyes feeling.
9 Ways to Reduce the Symptoms of Computer Eyestrain
Eyestrain is the number one complaint in office jobs, but there are many
things workers and employers can do to reduce these symptoms. The best
solution is number 1 below— schedule an exam with Dr. Lampert or Dr.
Sheiner and get a pair of eyeglasses specifically to wear when you use the
computer. If any of the following conditions exist, they may increase your
risk of eyestrain. Here are nine additional tips for ways to reduce
eyestrain:
1. GET AN EYE EXAM!
This is the most important thing you can do to prevent or treat
computer vision problems. According to the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), computer users should have an eye
exam before they start working on a computer and once per year thereafter.
2. USE PROPER LIGHTING
In your office you are likely to find several things that can cause
eyestrain, including glare on walls and finished surfaces, reflections on
the computer screen itself, excessively bright light coming in from
outside, and excessively bright light inside. Eliminate exterior light and
reflections by closing drapes or blinds. When using computers, lighting
should be about half that used in most offices. Reduce lighting by using
fewer light bulbs or florescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and
tubes.
3. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS
Full time computer users should take a 10-minute break every hour to
reduce eyestrain problems according to experts. Part-time users should
take frequent breaks, after sitting in front of their display for more
than an hour.
4. REFOCUS YOUR EYES
Look away from your computer screen every 10-15 minutes and focus for
5-10 seconds on a distant object outside or down the hallway. This
prevents the fixed gaze common among computer users. It also lets you
blink, which wets your eyes.
5. BLINK MORE OFTEN
When staring at a computer, people blink less frequently—about 5 times
less than normal, according to studies. Tears coating the eye evaporate
more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Office
buildings may have excessively dry environments that also reduce tearing.
For significant problems, ask Dr. Lampert or Dr. Sheiner about artificial
tears or eye drops that you can use during the day.
6. MODIFY YOUR WORKSTATION
If you need to look back and forth between the printed or written page
and the computer, this can cause eyestrain. Place written pages on a copy
stand adjacent to the monitor. Properly light the copy stand. Adjust your
workstation and chair to the correct height. Purchase ergonomic furniture
to assure proper screen locations and posture.
7. MATCH THE COMPUTER SCREEN TO THE
BRIGHTNESS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Closely match the brightness of the environment with that of the
computer screen. The contrast between the background and on-screen
characters should be high.
8. MINIMIZE GLARE
Use window shades, blinds or drapes to block out excessive sunlight,
or install an anti-glare screen, to minimize reflections on the screen
itself. Reduce the internal ambient light if necessary. For conditions
where outside light cannot be reduced, use a computer hood to cut glare
and reflection. Anti-Reflective lenses are highly recommended for your
glasses. This will prevent glare and reflections on the back side of your
lenses form reaching your eyes.
9. EXERCISE EVEN WHEN SITTING
Anyone in a sedentary job, especially those using computers, should
also stand up, move about, or exercise frequently. NIOSH recommends
several sitting, stretching, and joint rotating exercises for computer
users.
|
