Computer Users Have Many Options to Protect Eyes
There are few professions left that do not use computers in some way, just as there are few households that do not consider the family computer an essential appliance. But all those hours online can take a toll on your eyes, experts warn.
"An increasing number of people are on the computer huge numbers of hours during the day," says
Dr. Kerry Beebe, spokesman for the American Optometric Association (AOA).
"It does seem that particular visual demand can be tough to handle if there's anything less than perfect going on with your visual system," notes
Dr. Beebe.
Studies have shown that eyestrain and other vision problems can occur in as many as nine out of 10 people using video display terminals at work, according to the AOA.
The most common symptoms are eyestrain, blurred vision, double vision, excessive tears, dry eyes, and excessive blinking or squinting.
Visual problems also can result in physical problems such as headaches and neck or shoulder pain.
"Some people will have all of those and some just a few," says Dr. Beebe. "But
anytime anyone comes in with those symptoms, we automatically
ask, 'What are you doing much of the day?' They often
spend many hours on a computer."
The radiation put out by a computer screen has nothing to do with these symptoms, although that is a common myth, says Dr. Jeffrey Weaver, director of the AOA clinical care group.
"People are often asking about ultraviolet radiation, but any UV radiation from a computer screen is minimal," notes Dr. Weaver. "If
no one's getting a tan from using their computer, then
it's not a matter for concern."
But if you are having eye trouble during or after computer use, you should have your eyes examined, says Dr. Beebe.
"Many times people will have a focusing problem or a refractive error where simply wearing glasses while using the computer will take away those symptoms," he
says.
You should also take frequent short breaks, every half hour or so, say Drs. Beebe and Weaver. During those breaks, which can last just a minute or two, you should fix your eyes on a distant object to help refresh your vision.
"Just looking across the room or out a window can help a lot in keeping your focus relaxed," explains
Dr. Beebe.
The brightness of the monitor should be adjusted to an intensity comfortable to the eyes, according to the AOA. That means not too bright or too dim.
Next, you should adjust the contrast between the characters on the monitor and the background so the letters are easily read.
Finally, minimize reflected glare on the monitor by using window shades or curtains and dimmer switches on lights. Bright light sources also should be removed from the peripheral vision.
"Most offices tend to be way too bright for computer use," says
Dr. Weaver.
To further reduce glare, position the monitor perpendicular to windows or other bright sources of light. You can also buy an anti-glare screen for the monitor, or wear tinted glasses.
Dry eyes are another common complaint, for two reasons. Offices tend to be dry environments, and when people are reading a computer screen they tend to blink less.
To combat dry eyes, take frequent breaks and keep artificial tears - lubricant eye drops - handy at your desk, says Dr. Weaver.
You can also prevent eyestrain by positioning the monitor in an ergonomically correct position, according to the AOA. The monitor should be located 16 inches to 30 inches from your eyes, depending on how large the screen is and how good your vision is. Most people find it most comfortable to watch a screen 20 inches to 26 inches away.
The top of the monitor should be slightly below your eye level. The center of the monitor should be 10 degrees to 20 degrees below your eyes, or about 4 inches to 9 inches below your eyes at a distance of 24 inches.
And do not forget to rearrange things when it is your child's turn to use the computer. In many situations, the computer monitor will be too high, the chair too low and the desk too high. Your office should have an adjustable chair that can be raised for the child's comfort.
Dr. Weaver says technology is evolving to help prevent eyestrain and vision problems.
Monitors have improved their contrast and resolution, and LCD screens, in particular, are proving easier on the eyes. Monitors also are including glare-reduction filters to keep reflections from causing eyestrain, he says.
Always consult your physician for more information.
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According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), during the adult years, the increased visual demands of our technological society bring about the need for regular optometric care.
While the incidence of ocular disease is low for young adults, vocational and recreational visual demands are significant.
To maintain visual efficiency, productivity, and optimum eye health, periodic examinations are recommended, states the AOA.
Adults, beginning in their early to mid-40s, can experience changes in their ability to see clearly at close distances.
This normal aging change in the eye's focusing ability will continue during the 40s and 50s. In addition, increases in the incidence of eye health problems occur during these years.
Individuals at risk for eye health problems include those diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, or who have a family history of glaucoma, (particularly African Americans), those who work in highly visually demanding or eye hazardous occupations, those taking certain systemic medications with ocular side effects, or those with other health concerns or conditions.
Individuals age 61 or older have an increasing risk for the development of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration and other sight threatening or visually disabling eye conditions as well as systemic health conditions.
Now, annual eye examinations are recommended by the AOA.
Eye Care Professionals
An ophthalmologist is either a medical doctor (MD) or an osteopathic physician (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye care and provides examinations, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of eye disorders.
Ophthalmologists are skilled in all facets of eye care, from prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to performing intricate eye surgery.
Many also choose to specialize in one particular disease or portion of the eye (i.e., glaucoma specialist or cornea specialist).
An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD) but not a medical doctor.
Optometrists can examine, diagnose and manage many visual problems and eye disease, and are specially trained to test vision in order to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses.
An optician is a technician who fits, adjusts, and fills the prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
An ocularist is a technician who makes ophthalmic prosthesis.
Although they do not test vision for prescribing glasses or contact lenses, family practitioners or general internists may medically treat some eye conditions.
Always consult your physician for more information.
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