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Computer Vision
Researchers and employers are increasingly aware of a syndrome called
computer vision syndrome. Computer vision is called a syndrome because it
features a variety of symptoms that a patient can present. Symptoms
include headaches, burning eyes, blurred or double vision, neck or
shoulder pain, tired eyes, loss of focus, and others. Research suggests
that those individuals who spend two hours of more working at a computer
throughout the day likely present one or more of these symptoms.
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As more and more people spend increasing amounts of time at the computer
each day, not only eye doctors and vision researchers are worried about
the frequency of patients suffering from computer vision syndrome, but so
too are employers. Researchers believe that the result of computer vision
greatly undermines worker productivity. As this body of research grows,
employers are beginning to understand that this problem is affecting their
bottom line significantly.
In America, it is estimated that over 150 million people work on the
computer every day. Estimates of how many of these people suffer from some
degree of computer vision are as high as 90%. In addition, more and more
children are spending increasing amounts of time at the computer each day,
both at school and at home. Many researchers believe that a comprehensive
eye exam carried out on a child should include an assessment of the
presence of symptoms or their degree of risk of developing computer
vision.
The Cause of Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome, often called CVS, is caused by the way in which
our eyes and brain react to characters on the computer. Unlike the printed
word, which typically features clear, dense, well defined characters
printed on a page, characters on a computer screen are created by pixels,
which are brighter at the center and become increasingly less intense
toward the edges. Whereas printed characters are easy to read and focus
on, pixels cause the eyes to focus 'outwards', to a point researchers call
the 'resting point of accommodation' (RPA). The eyes then struggle to
refocus the characters they see, resulting in eye strain, fatigue, and
even headache.
Even those individuals who have no vision problems and do not need
eyeglasses to help them read may suffer from computer vision. This is
typically due to the fact that a computer screen is typically viewed from
a farther distance than is a book or other printed material.
Solutions
The first step to addressing computer vision syndrome is to visit an
eyecare practitioner who is familiar with computer vision. The doctor will
perform an assessment of your vision correction needs, taking into account
your working distance from the computer screen. The doctor will then
likely prescribe the appropriate eyewear for your needs. Computer vision
glasses may sound very new age-like, however, typically they refer to a
lens prescription like any other that can be worn in frames like any usual
pair of glasses.
Tips for reducing Computer Vision
Simple steps can be taken to minimize the symptoms of computer vision.
Although these steps seem very obvious, most computer users fail to employ
them.
1) Blink Frequently
The more a person blinks, the more moisture and lubrication the eyes
produce. Dry, irritated eyes are a common symptom of computer vision,
largely the result of people blinking up to 5 times less frequently than
normal while working on the computer. Office environments often contribute
to dry eye syndrome in that dry, poorly ventilated air is common. Many eye
care products are on the market that greatly help reduce dry eye syndrome,
including eye drops and artificial tears.
2) Reduce Glare
The glare caused by a computer screen can cause eyestrain, but can be
minimized by using an anti-glare screen. In addition, ensure that bright
outdoor light hitting the computer screen is kept to a minimum.
Antireflective coating can be applied to glasses to prevent the glare from
the inside of eyeglass lenses from reaching the eyes.
3) Proper Lighting
Although natural light is a good thing for all of us, very bright outdoor
light and very intense indoor lighting can cause eyestrain. Do not
position your computer screen in front of a window, minimize direct
outdoor light, and reduce the intensity of indoor lighting to help reduce
eyestrain.
4) Take a Break
Don't just take one break, take many. Many researchers recommend a 10
minute break for every hour spent on the computer. During this break,
stretch your eyes. Just like we are advised to stretch our bodies from
time to time to prevent back strain, the same is true for our eyes.
Stretch your eyes by focusing on a distant object for 20-30 seconds, and
by focusing on an object far away for 10 seconds, then close up for 10
seconds.
Learn more about
Computer Vision Syndrome from Dr. Ergo
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