Solid Advice to Save Your Eyes

Medical News Today reports that the majority of people who work at a computer experience eye or vision problems – the optometrists’ survey cited found that more than 14 percent of optometrists’ patients suffer from eye- or vision-related symptoms that result from computer work – and, furthermore, that time spent in front of a computer is the activity most frequently mentioned as causing discomfort while wearing lenses.

The study also found that the increase in use of more portable gadgets with smaller screens, like cellphones, laptops and PDAs, can contribute significantly to visual discomfort and fatigue. Not good at all, considering that most of us spend a lot of time staring into computer or TV screens and/or mobile phone and PDA screens as well.

The solutions are really very basic, but hey, since so many people are suffering from computer- and gadget-related vision problems, we feel they’re definitely worth repeating.

To reduce eyestrain, we recommend the following:

• Correct adjustment and placement of computer monitors. For maximum eye comfort, place the center of the screen five to nine inches below your horizontal line of sight. You should be looking just over the top of the monitor when you look straight ahead.
• Lighting control. Glare is the greatest source of eyestrain for computer users. Use shades, curtains or blinds to control light levels throughout the day, and avoid facing an un-shaded window. Consider using an anti-glare screen to reduce reflection.
• Good preventive vision care habits. Try blinking more frequently, if you’re a contact lens wearer, to prevent the surfaces of your lenses from drying out fast. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at points at least 20 feet from your screen (and keep your eyes moving while doing so).
• Regular professional eye care. Have yearly eye exams – although if your job involves extensive computer use, have them immediately after you start your job and periodically after that.

Do what you can to keep your eyes healthy!

Medical News Today reports that the majority of people who work at a computer experience eye or vision problems – the optometrists’ survey cited found that more than 14 percent of optometrists’ patients suffer from eye- or vision-related symptoms that result from computer work – and, furthermore, that time spent in front of a computer is the activity most frequently mentioned as causing discomfort while wearing lenses.

The study also found that the increase in use of more portable gadgets with smaller screens, like cellphones, laptops and PDAs, can contribute significantly to visual discomfort and fatigue. Not good at all, considering that most of us spend a lot of time staring into computer or TV screens and/or mobile phone and PDA screens as well.

The solutions are really very basic, but hey, since so many people are suffering from computer- and gadget-related vision problems, we feel they’re definitely worth repeating.

To reduce eyestrain, we recommend the following:

• Correct adjustment and placement of computer monitors. For maximum eye comfort, place the center of the screen five to nine inches below your horizontal line of sight. You should be looking just over the top of the monitor when you look straight ahead.
• Lighting control. Glare is the greatest source of eyestrain for computer users. Use shades, curtains or blinds to control light levels throughout the day, and avoid facing an un-shaded window. Consider using an anti-glare screen to reduce reflection.
• Good preventive vision care habits. Try blinking more frequently, if you’re a contact lens wearer, to prevent the surfaces of your lenses from drying out fast. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at points at least 20 feet from your screen (and keep your eyes moving while doing so).
• Regular professional eye care. Have yearly eye exams – although if your job involves extensive computer use, have them immediately after you start your job and periodically after that.

Do what you can to keep your eyes healthy!