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What is Computer Vision Syndrome and what can I do about
it?
As we stare at the computer screen or while reading, our
blink rate decreases. We actually blink 66% less while
working on the computer. This will cause your eyes to feel
dry and to burn
Solution:
- Become aware when you are not blinking enough and try
to blink more frequently
- Take a vision break every 15 minutes or so.
- Use eye lubricants
Glare and reflection:
Reflections off your monitor can may your eyes tired. You
may find yourself squinting or developing a posture that is
fatiguing in order to "get around the glare"
Solutions:
- Reposition your monitor so you don't have windows
directly to the front or behind your monitor
- Adjust or add window blinds
- Overhead lights can cause glare: change light bulbs
to a full spectrum light or a lower wattage light.
Regular fluorescent lights emit blue light, which makes
it difficult for the eyes to focus, changing the color of
the light can make the eyes more relaxed.
- Use a task lamp that shines only on your paper but
not in your eyes or on the monitor
- Use a glare filter
- Consider and adjust other sources of reflected light
(top of desk, walls, etc.)
Your monitor:
The Redraw or refresh rate of many monitors is 60Hz. This
can cause a flicker which makes the screen appear to roll.
The flicker stimulates the eye to accomodate or refocus,
tiring the visual system.
Solution:
Reset the refresh rate of the monitor to 70-85Hz. (Read
your monitor or computer hardware instruction manual to be
sure your monitor is capable of this setting.)
Solutions:
- Large monitors are easier to see, font size can be
increased.
- Flat screens have less glare.
- Controlling the brightness and contrast will reduce
eye strain and decrease focusing demand.
- Keep your screen free of dust and smudges.
Ergonomics
Poorly set up workstations will cause pain due to
repetitive injury. This is especially a consideration in
people over 40, who have a decrease in focusing ability and
rely on bifocals
Solutions:
- Adjust the height of your monitor: Lower your monitor
if you use a bifocal, so you are using the proper
focusing area of your glasses, tipping your head up will
cause neck and shoulder pain. Raise your monitor if you
don't use a bifocal.
- Try to position your monitor about 20 - 26 inches
away. If you are unable to adjust the monitor distance,
measure the distance and discuss it with your eye doctor,
so your glasses are focused at the proper working
distance.
- Consider computer glasses. These can be worn alone or
over contact lenses. They allow you to sit in an
ergonomically correct position, and decrease repetitive
motion injuries.
- Consider a glare coating on your lenses.
- Talk to your doctor about your bifocal design (some
brands are better than others) no-line vs. lined; larger
corridor lenses vs. shortened bifocal corridors that fit
into smaller frames.
Summary
Computer Vision Syndrome is a very real problem and there
are solutions to the problems you may be experiencing. Don't
try to muddle through this alone. Talk to your eye doctor.
Learn your options. Take advantage of ergonomic
professionals that can come to your work station.
Make your fatigue, eye strain, blurred vision and
neck/shoulder/back pain, a thing of your past.
Christine Sindt, OD
April 3, 2002
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