If you look at a distant object for a minute and find that it takes longer for you to refocus on the screen, or if you experience a headache during or after you use the computer — these may be direct computer stress symptoms.
As computers became one of the most basic tools in almost all workplaces, the problem of eye strain and other visual challenges have steadily increased.
We cannot stop using the computer everyday but the good news is we could do something to prevent the glare of the computer screen from harming our eyes.
In their special report “Computers and Your Eyes” Dr. David Khorram and Dr. Mark Robertson of the Marianas Eye Institute said they often encounter the question, “Can the computer hurt my eyes?”
Khorram and Robertson said about 75 percent of people who work extensively on computers are affected with “computer vision syndrome.”
They said although the most common symptoms of vision problems are caused by other factors, like reading for long periods, computer users seem to suffer from more symptoms.
“It seems that much of the problem is caused by glare or reflection from the computer screen. The position of the screen can also affect the symptoms, as can the distance from the screen to your eyes,” the report said.
Screen glare is something that should not be left unattended because aside from being annoying, you may frequently lose place when you move your eyes between your copy and a screen.
You may also have trouble seeing clearly at a distance after staring at the screen for a long time.
In addition, there is the tension and pain in the neck and shoulders, back, arms, and wrists from prolonged computer use.
How to avoid computer vision syndrome
Khorram and Robertson offer some simple steps to computer users to lower the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.
• Position the screen so that the middle is about five to six inches below eye level.
The eyes are naturally relaxed when they are looking slightly down.
• Avoid reflections from overhead lights.
Glare-protection screen may help.
• Control the glare from the screen.
Place the terminal such that windows are at right angles to the screen, rather than behind or in front of it. This helps to cut down on the glare and reflections from the screen. Tilt the screen to eliminate, or at least minimize as much as possible, reflections from overhead lights or lamps.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen.
You can do this by turning the “brightness” control on the menu below your screen all the way down, then slowly increasing the brightness until the screen is just comfortable to look at and details are plain and easy to distinguish. If you want, you may increase the brightness just a pinch above this. Next, switch to the contrast control and take the same three steps as you did with the brightness control.
“If the brightness and contrast controls are turned on to their maximum settings, it will give a more vivid picture but it will also increase fatigue more quickly,” Khorram and Robertson’s report stated.
The report added that a screen with slightly less brightness and contrast will be easier to look at for longer periods of time. If there are lighting changes in the room, then you can run through the same adjustment steps again.
• Keep a distance of 16 to 30 inches from your eyes to the screen.
This is recommended as a comfortable viewing distance.
• Place the document you are copying from at a proper position.
See to it that the hard copy or document is located about the same distance from the eye as is the screen and that there is enough light to read the hard copy without straining. You can use an adjustable document holder at the same height and tilt as the computer screen is ideal.
• Have adequate lighting for hard copy reading.
• Give yourself a break.
All computer users should take “vision breaks” once in a while. Let your eyes rest for at least five to 10 minutes for every two hours of continuous computer use.
• Get up and move around. Focus your eyes on objects that are at least 20 feet away.
• Use artificial tears regularly if your eyes tend to feel irritated, tired or dry.
Khorram and Robertson’s special report stated that the blink rate of our eyes goes down wile working on a computer. This means that we don’t blink as often as we should.
The reduced blink rate can lead to dryness and eventually result in discomfort. There are artificial tears and moisturizers for the eye than can be used to help overcome these dry eye symptoms. Newer formulations of artificial tears that last longer are ideal.
The Marianas Eye Institute, however, warns against using drops that make claims like “removes redness,” because these often have drugs you may not need.
“When in doubt, give us a call. We have all dry eye drops available, including the newer ones,” the doctors said.
• Have your eyes examined regularly.
“Let us know how much and how often you use a computer. If your eyes are prone to dryness, if you wear glasses, or if you have underlying vision problems or eye muscle imbalances, there are other recommendations we can make which will help with your comfort and productivity,” Khorram and Robertson advised.
Computer vision syndrome is one of the fastest growing occupational health problems, but doctors said the simple steps mentioned above can reduce the uncomfortable symptoms.
You can also buy computer screen filters to protect you from the glare. Filters at the National Office Supply cost $26.95 for 12”-15” monitors, and $33.95 for a 16”-17” screen.
For more information, visit the Marianas Institute along Beach Road Garapan, call 235-9090 or go online at www.MarianasEye.com.
