The New York State
Optometric Association (NYSOA)
today alerted New Yorkers who use
computers daily that they could
suffer from “computer vision
syndrome,” leaving them vulnerable
to problems like dry eye,
eyestrain, neck and/or backache,
light sensitivity and fatigue.
According to NYSOA,
computer vision syndrome is
related to poor workstation
configurations, prior vision
problems and improper work habits
– and can potentially affect eight
out of 10 computer- or PDA-users.
NYSOA also points to a recent
national survey that showed that
42 percent of respondents spend
three or more hours a day in front
of computers or on handheld
devices. And 78 percent do not
have their computer monitor
positioned at the correct height –
below eye level.
“Working at a computer requires a
great deal of eye movement and eye
focusing. The constant re-focusing
effort stresses the eye muscle,
leading to computer-related vision
problems. It can have a great
impact on individuals’ comfort and
productivity, whether they are at
work, school or home,” said
Cate Scandiffio, O.D., of
Brentwood, NY who is the
president of NYSOA’s Suffolk
Optometric Society.
Optometrists say
many of these symptoms are
temporary and will improve after
ceasing computer work. However,
some individuals may continue to
experience visual problems, such
as blurred distance vision, even
after computer work has ended. If
the causes of the problem are not
addressed, the symptoms will
recur, and perhaps worsen, with
future computer use.
Special computer
glasses and computer screen
filters are available to help
reduce glare and discomfort, but
only 11 percent currently use
these devices.
NYSOA recommends
following these guidelines to
prevent or reduce eye and vision
problems associated with computer
vision syndrome:
-
Have your vision
checked regularly.
Prior to age 61, adults
should have a
comprehensive eye exam every two
years, or as recommended by an
eye doctor, and annually after
that age. Vision and eye health
can change
rapidly and frequently,
particularly as one ages;
therefore, having one’s vision
examined on a regular, timely
basis is important to
maintaining overall health and
for preventive reasons.
-
Limit the amount
of time you continuously use the
computer.
Practicing the 20/20 rule (look
away from the computer every 20
minutes for 20 seconds) will
minimize the development of
eye-focusing problems and eye
irritation caused by infrequent
blinking.
-
Check the height
and arrangement of the computer.
Optometrists
suggest more comfortable
computer viewing can be achieved
when the eyes are looking
downward. Optimally, the
computer screen should be 15 to
20 degrees below eye level
(about four or five inches) as
measured from the center of the
screen and 20-28 inches from the
eyes.
-
Check for glare
on the computer screen.
Windows or other light sources
should not be directly visible
when sitting in front of the
monitor. When this occurs, turn
the desk or computer to prevent
glare on the screen.
-
Reduce the amount
of lighting in the room to match
the computer screen.
A smaller light can be
substituted for a bright
overhead light or a dimmer
switch can be installed to give
flexible control of room
lighting. Turn three-way bulbs
to the lowest setting.
-
Keep blinking.
To minimize the chances of
developing
dry eye when using a
computer, make an effort to
blink frequently. Blinking keeps
the front surface of the eye
moist.
Viewing a computer screen is
different than reading a printed
page,” said Dr. Scandiffio. “Often
the letters on the computer screen
are not as precise or sharply
defined, the level of contrast of
the letters to the background is
reduced, and the presence of glare
and reflections on the screen may
make viewing difficult.”
Computer vision syndrome can be
diagnosed through a comprehensive
eye examination. To find an
optometrist in your area, or for
additional information on eye
health (including glaucoma)please
visit NYSOA’s website at
www.nysoa.org.