Computer Eye Strain
Visual problems, such as eyestrain and irritation, are among the most frequently reported complaints by computer operators. These visual symptoms can result from improper lighting, glare from the screen, poor positioning of the screen itself, or copy material that is difficult to read. These problems usually can be corrected by adjusting the physical and environmental setting where the computer users work. For example, work stations and lighting can and should be arranged to avoid direct and reflected glare anywhere in the field of sight, from the display screen, or surrounding surfaces.
Â
You also can reduce eyestrain by taking vision breaks, which may include exercises to relax eye muscles after each hour or so of operating a computer. Changing focus is another way to give eye muscles a chance to relax. You only need to glance across the room, or out the window, from time to time and look at an object at least 20 feet away. Other eye exercises may include rolling or blinking the eyes, or closing them tightly for a few seconds.
Inadequate vision can strain your posture as well as eyes -- have your eyes checked annually, you may need special glasses.
This section of the TIFAQ provides links to information and resources regarding vision and eye strain issues while working at Video Display Terminals (VDTs).
Eye Strain Articles
Visual discomfort occurs at a computer workstation when the visual demands of your task exceed your visual abilities. The problem can be resolved by treating your visual condition, if any, or by making your visual task less demanding.
Vision is our most precious sense. Our eyes are in constant use every waking minute of every day. The way we use our eyes can determine how well we work throughout our lifetime. Over 80% of our learning is mediated through our eyes, indicating the important role our vision plays in our daily activities. Vision disturbance is a silent enemy that only appears after a long period of continued stress.
Today, millions of children are using computers every day, at school and at home, for education and recreation. Visual demands in school require the integration of a number of different vision skills: visual acuity (sharpness of vision); visual fixation (eye aiming); accommodation (focusing); binocular fusion (forming a single image); convergence (turning of the eyes); field of vision (side vision); and form perception (recognizing shapes). These systems can be stressed and overworked if not used efficiently. Computer viewing is complicating how children use their eyes in school because these visual skills are not yet fully developed in children—making any near-point activities that much more difficult.
An Interview with Distinguished Optometrist, Dr. Gary J. Williams
Websites About Eye Strain
American Optometric Association
A dozen things you should know about eye strain.
From setting up your workstation to eyewear.
Vision lifestyle factsheet.
Causes of and cures for computer vision syndrome.
Articles by Dr. Jeffrey Anshel
Computer Eye Strain Care software to prevent computer eye strain, tiredness and headaches.
Treatment for eye strain, computer vision syndrome, and children's learning problems.
Eye2Eye's mission is to help control vision difficulties associated with prolonged exposure to computer screens. Collectively, these symptoms have been termed Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) by the American Optometric Association. |
Articles 