By
Terry Orr
Now that I use
desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone throughout the day, every day –
headaches are more frequent and severe.
It took me a little while to connect all those dots to understand what
was causing my headaches. Doing my
research for this article – I found the name associated with this problem: Computer
Vision Syndrome (CVS).
Staring at a
computer monitor for hours on end has become a part of the modern workday. And
inevitably, all of that staring can put a real strain on your eyes.
The name for
eye problems caused by computer use is computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is
not one specific eye problem. Instead, the term encompasses a whole range of eyestrain
and pain
experienced by computer users.
Research shows
computer eye problems are common. Somewhere between 50% and 90% of people who
work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms of eye trouble.
There's no
evidence that computer vision syndrome causes any long-term damage to the eyes
-- for example, cataracts. However, regular computer use can be the source of
significant eyestrain and discomfort.
If you have
computer vision syndrome, you may experience some or all of these symptoms:
·
Blurred
vision
·
Double
vision
·
Dry,
red eyes
·
Eye
irritation
·
Headaches
·
Neck
or back pain
How many of these do you experience?
Making a few
simple changes in your work environment can help prevent and improve computer
vision symptoms:
·
Cut the glare. Change the lighting around you to reduce
glare on the computer screen. If a nearby window is casting glare on your
screen, move the monitor and close the shades until the glare disappears. Ask
your employer to install a dimmer switch for the overhead lights if they're too
bright, or buy a desk lamp with a moveable shade that distributes light evenly
over your desk. Putting a glare filter over the screen monitor also can help
protect your eyes.
·
Rearrange your desk. Researchers find that the optimal
position for your computer monitor is slightly below eye level, about 20 to 28
inches away from the face. At that position, you shouldn't have to stretch your
neck or strain your eyes to see what's on the screen. Put a stand next to your
computer monitor and place any printed materials you're working from on it.
Then, you won't have to look up at the screen and back down at the desk while
you type.
·
Give your eyes a break. Look away from the screen every 20
minutes or so and either gaze out the window or scan the room for about 20
seconds to rest your eyes. Blink often to keep the eyes moist. If eyes are
getting overly dry, try using lubricating eye drops.
·
Tweak your computer settings. You don't have to live with the
factory-installed settings on your computer if you're uncomfortable. Adjust the
brightness, contrast, and font size until you find the best settings for your
vision.
[Source: WebMD]
Now that we know
the source of our problem is and helpful hints to reduce the issue, we have one
more thing to do. Tell our eye and
primary care doctors!
References and
Links:
[All images from Google]
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