by Samara Abrams

Created on: March 07, 2008

Widely affirmed by eye care professionals, using a computer for eight hours a day, every day will not harm your eyes from a medical standpoint; however, ultimately it will contribute to eyestrain or "tired" eyes.

"The computer makes your eyes tired, but reading a book may affect your eyes the same, if not more," states optician Judith St. Pierre. The condition of eyestrain caused by computers is sometimes referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). The symptoms of CVS include neck pain, soreness of the back, blurred vision and headaches, as well as other signs that are similar to those related to stress.

There are a number of ways a person can help alleviate the effects of eyestrain while working on the computer:
- POSITIONING: Set your screen slightly below your line of sight, approximately an arm's length away from your face to allow your eyes to focus correctly.
- REST: Take a break every hour or so to rest your eyes briefly in order to reduce eye fatigue.
- EXERCISE: When taking a breather, focus on distant objects to give your eyes necessary exercise.
- BLINK: Anyone who stares at the computer for any length of time will dry out their eyes this is especially true if you're wearing contacts. Get in the habit of blinking to lubricate them. You can also use eye drops as necessary to keep them moist.
- LIGHTING: Adjust the lighting around the screen of the computer it should not be placed directly in front of a lamp or a window. Keep your office lighting at a comfortable level too much light causes strain to your eyes when you look at the screen. Too little light will make it difficult to read papers and books on your desk.
- CLEAN: Keep your monitor free of dust - these tiny particles can contribute to eye strain when trying to focus on the screen.

Ophthalmologist and past president of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Dr. Mark Dorfman, agrees with the belief that computers do not cause critical medical conditions. "It has not been proven that computers cause any harm to the eyes. Your eyes may become tired, or you may get a headache, but nothing that is physically affecting your eyes. We find that avid readers and those doing other work close to their eyes are at a greater risk. I recommend that people find ways to reduce the glare surrounding their computer, as well as read the screen with a larger font size to lessen the effects," stated Dr. Dorfman.

In addition to decreasing eyestrain caused by computers, it is important to take steps to reduce risk factors for eye disease or other eye problems:
- STOP SMOKING: By smoking, you increase the risk of several eye disorders.
- NUTRITIOUS DIET: A nutritious diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables may boost your resistance to eye disease.
- WEAR EYE PROTECTION: Sunglasses or hats are ideal keep your eyes sheltered from the elements.

Although the computer will not damage your eyes from a medical perspective in the short or long term, try to lessen the side effects of eyestrain, because consequentially, tired eyes lead to a tired individual.

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