by Roxan Lou Acuno

Created on: March 08, 2008

Millions of people have been relying on computers for their work to be easier and faster ever since the dawn of the computer industry four decades ago began. However, much of the benefits it gives, problems concerning vision related effects were found.

Usage of computer for two or more hours a day causes a variety of vision related symptoms referred as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). This is because the user is exposed to a lot of factors when looking at a computer. One of the factors includes infrequent blinking. Blinking is very important for spreading of tears to form an even film on the eye surface and also in refreshing this film. Normally, a person blinks 15 times/min but because of continuous staring at the screen, the blink rate slows down to 5 times/min. Consequently making the eyes become dry and irritated. In addition, characters on a screen do not have well defined edges. The brightness intensity is focused at the center and weakens towards the edges making the eyes to have a difficulty in maintaining focus. Extensive focusing does not give much time for the eye muscles to relax leading to eye strain, burning and tired eyes. Furthermore, other factors that extremely stress the eyes are the lack of image clarity and glare from reflections of light that generates a shadow on top of the screen reducing contrast and visibility of the displayed character.

As a result, the person experiences double vision, dry eyes, temporary nearsightedness, red and watery eyes, headache, and eye strain, fatigue, dizziness and nausea. While some symptoms maybe odd, they are all very common among computer users and those who work with uncomfortable lighting. Several studies have associated habitual and extended computer use with an increased threat for glaucoma and other related eye diseases.

Anyone who exceeds, two hours of computer use a day is at high risk. Fortunately, this won't have to prevent us from spending hours sitting in front of the computer by reducing their effects. Aside from a thorough exam by an ophthalmologist, blinking more often can also do the trick. Computer users should make efforts to blink more often. Adjusting the height of the desk or chair about 20 degrees below eye level and putting a distance of 16-30 inches between the user and the screen are also helpful in minimizing eye fatigue. Moreover, avoid sitting in front of an air-conditioner facing its air draft while working. Direct the overhead lights away from the computer panel to reduce glaring effect. Use lubricating eye drops to provide moisturizing relief and soothing effects for the eyes.

References:
www.eyedoctorguide.com
www.aoa.com
www .allaboutvision.com

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