Submitted by administrator on
I have been sat at my iMac (get me) for near on three hours already today. Given that the majority of administrative roles all use computers and monitors, how often do we take breaks for our eyes to refocus and rest? Work flow often deems it impractical to do this, but the danger of suffering eye discomfort from this exact type of exercise is rife.
Eye problems caused by using computers is called computer vision syndrome (CVS). The problem encompasses a whole range of pain and eye discomfort by computer users. It's not just adults that are at risk of CVS. Schools today use computers, digital devices, interactive whiteboards and even 3D technology to promote a varied learning experience. Forty percent of teachers use computers as learning aids. Add this to the time students then use T.V's or electronic games at home and it all clocks up. A third of parents claim to be concerned about the effects on eyesight.
Between fifty and ninety percent of PC users will experience vision problems. This is a monstrously high figure. Computer vision syndrome is akin to repetitive stress injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. It can intensify the longer you work. Your eyes need to continuously focus and refocus, and align with what you are looking at. This asks for more strain on our delicate eye muscles. Unlike a book or written note a screen adds the screen contrast, flicker, and glare to the sensory act. If you already have a diagnosed eye problem screen work will inevitably cause more trouble.
As we age the ability to use screens for work gets harder too as the lens of your eye becomes less flexible. From the age of 40 years, the ability to focus diminishes (a condition called presbyopia). There's no evidence of long term damage to the eye such as cataracts but you are likely to suffer from some or all the symptoms listed:
- double vision
- dry, red eyes
- eye irritation
- blurred vision
- headaches
- neck or back pain
To assist in dealing with long term or prolonged screen use consider the following.
- Cut the glare.
- Rearrange your desk.
- Give your eyes a break. Every twenty minutes or so is recommended
- Tweak your computer settings. Most people use the factory settings but you are able to manually adjust brightness, contrast, and font size until you find the settings most suitable for your vision.