Computers May Cause Eye Syndrome

prevent, protect with these tips.......


You probably spend time on the computer at work or school everyday. Staring at the screen too long can cause a vision condition, if you're not careful. Working at the computer can put you at risk for Computer Vision Syndrome.

It has been called the number one occupational hazard of the 21st century. Dr. Melissa Billings with Vision Park Family Eye Care in Urbandale says, "When people are using computers these days, they're using them anywhere from four to eight hours at a time without taking breaks. And, it is causing a lot of fatigue and different symptoms that are popping up."

Dr. Billings says more patients are complaining about headaches, eye strain, red and watery eyes and trouble seeing things far away. She says, "They get done looking at the computer, and they look across the room and they can't see things as clearly as they could earlier in the day. Those are pretty typical symptoms."

Dr. Billings says Computer Vision Syndrome is caused when people stare at pixilated images, like the computer screen for too long. Your eye muscles have to work extra hard to focus. She says It's like when you overexert yourself in a sport and experience muscle fatigue. She says, "The eyes, just like any other muscle in the body, there are very very fine muscles in the eye that allow you to focus on the computer."

Your eye doctor can prescribe special anti-glare glasses to help you focus on the computer. But, you can also do simple things on you own to prevent Computer Vision Syndrome. Dr. Billings says to follow the 30-30-30 rule. Take a break from the computer every 30 minutes, look at something for 30 seconds that's 30 feet away. Also, minimize glare on your screen by covering windows and reducing the amount of fluorescent light in your work place. And, consider putting an anti-glare screen on your monitor.

She says, "Allow those fine muscles in the eye to have that opportunity to relax a little bit." The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends computer users get a full eye exam at least once every year.

source:The baltimore sun