Computer Vision
Have you ever added up the time you spend in front of your computer, tablet, smart phone, or other electronic device? Looking at screens is a normal part of our lives in the 21st century.
There are a number of factors that determine the amount of strain your body feels as you work on a computer or other digital device; ambient lighting in the room, distance from the screen, glare on the screen, seating posture, the angle of your head and any existing vision problems you may have. One or all of these may combine to cause an uncomfortable amount of strain on your eyes.
Symptoms may include:
• Blurry vision
• Eye Strain and discomfort
• Headaches
• Dry, scratchy eyes
• Neck and/or shoulder pain
Even if you have never had any eye problems before, you may develop symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome after a brief amount of screen time.
Depending on your age, health and occupation, a
comprehensive eye exam is recommended every 1-2 years.
The severity and length of computer vision syndrome symptoms depends on how long you stare at the computer, your posture, lighting, glare, the angle of the monitor, and whether or not you have other diagnosed or undiagnosed vision problems.
If you already suffer from astigmatism, farsightedness, presbyopia, aging eyes, and/or diabetic eye problems, your computer vision symptoms may worsen. This can even be the case if you already wear prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
Having eyeglasses designed specifically for use during the time you spend on a computer or screen can be very helpful.
In addition to these treatment options, there are many things we can suggest to cut down on computer eye strain problems:
Computer Setup Adjust your monitor so that it is about 15-20 degrees lower than your eye level when seated between 20-28 inches away from the screen. Also, invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor to help reduce glare from surrounding lights. Be sure to sit and work with proper posture.
Adjust Lighting
If you can, reposition any lighting, or your computer, to minimize glare and use natural lighting whenever possible.
Eye Rest and Blinking Breaks
Every 20 minutes during your work, look away toward a distant point for 20 seconds to refocus your eyes, and give them a 15 minute break after each 2 hour computer session. Also remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.
With a combination of the proper optometry care and self-care, you can minimize computer vision syndrome symptoms and other modern day vision problems. Contact us for an appointment today.