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Health Column

As suggested by the Board, I venture to write/take abstract from articles that are health related. I am not a medical doctor. I am a nurse by profession and have been practicing health education for a decade. Each day I am learning something new. It is hoped that I can share with you what I have learned and in return gain from yours. For this circulation, I have chosen Computer Vision Syndrome to be our point of discussion. Your comments will be appreciated.

Louisa Yuen Ping Leung

Eye Care in Prolonged Computer Use

According to George London, O.D. in Harrison, Ohio, intensive computer users such as graphic designers, new users and children who play computer games, are more likely to experience computer vision syndrome symptoms. They include eyestrain, dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reported that nearly 90 percent of people who work at a computer as little as 3 hours a day suffer from some type of eye trouble.

Management of Computer Vision Syndrome

Strategies recommended by Stephen Gasser, O.D. a Vision Protection Plan doctor and computer vision syndrome specialist in Washington D.C., are as follows:

Blink often. Blinking bathes your eyes in tears that are natural therapeutics for your eyes.

Look away. Give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes look away from the computer and focus on a distant object at least 20 feet away.

Reduce glare and reflection. When room light reflects of your computer screen, your eyes work harder as they are trying to ignore the glare and also to see the screen. This causes eyestrain and headaches. The solution is to reduce bright overhead lighting by switching to a softer bulb. Position a desk lamp so that it shines on the desk, away from the screen and your eyes. Position your desk so windows are off to the side, rather that behind or in front of you. Reduce sunlight with window blinds. Monitor hoods can keep light away, while glare screen over the monitor would not reflect light. You may find a circular polarizing glare screen at office supplies.

Adjust your monitor. The screen should be at least at arm’s length away from your eyes, with the center about 4 – 6 inches below your eyes. This would reduce the strain on your eyes as looking down is easier than looking upward or straight ahead. Adjust brightness of the screen so as to match that of the room light. Select a monitor with high resolution, one that does not flicker and has sharp contrast between the background and the image. Finally chose the font size that is easier for you to read.

Consider computer eyeglasses. It may be necessary to ask your eye doctor to prescribe a pair of eyeglasses to read the screen. These eyeglasses may have variable-focus lenses, with part of the lens for distance and part for computer viewing.

Have an eye examination annually. A thorough eye examination may reveal your computer vision symptoms or other conditions you might have. Ask for doctor’s advice as your experience is unique.

Extracted from: "eye on health’ from the VSP WellVision Learning Source