Beware of Computer
Vision Syndrome !! Beware of Computers!!People working in
Computers continuously for long
hours without following any precautions,have developped a complex problem of vision called “Computer Vision Syndrome”, known as CVS.Among the people who are working in and using computers,nearly 85 % of them have been affected with this syndrome.So Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) has turned out to be a silent epidemic of the 21st century. To know about this serious and complex problem and to find out the remedy for the Compute Vision Syndrome, the symptoms of this peculiar syndrome have to be traced.The symptoms of the Computer Vision Syndrome are eyestrain,blurred vision,dry eyes,irritated and tired eyes and headaches.The people working for long hours in computers will also have neck and back aches, if they don’t use their eyes properly and follow some specific guidelines and precautions,while working in the computers. When we trace the several causes for the Computer Vision Syndrome, the most important being the reduction of blink rate from 16 per minute to one third of it.This reduction in blink rate leads to irritation, dryness, excessive tearing, burning, itching and redness in the eyes.The people using contact lens while working in the computers also have complaints, like reflex tearing and their eyes are filled with tears when they work for long hours in the computers In order to
avoid the Computer Vision Syndrome, the people working in computers. should follow some precautions.They should use artificial tears for rewetting their eyes,lower the computer screen in order to have a working distance of four to eight inches,eliminate the flow of air past one’s eyes while working in computers,avoid low humidity or fumes so as to prevent the eyes from becoming dry, blink their eyes when there is a discomfort,close their eyelids and roll the eyes at regular intervals while working in the computers.Besides, the people working in computers should also use glasses and lens,with anti-reflection coating, use special glasses for the purpose of reading only and maintain the optimum distance of 20 to 28 inches,so as to prevent Computer Vision Syndrome. The peoples suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome need careful study, analysis and proper treatment.Flat panel computers should be preferred to cathode ray tube monitors, to avoid flickering and have a higher contrast.They should have black characters on a white background, by increasing the size of the smallest reading text by three times, adjusting the refresh rate preferably to 85 hertz or higher.In colour monitors,
providing smaller dot pitches, less than 28 mm,by adjusting the screen contrast to have clear characters,providing a reflectionless environment nearby the computer and by providing an anti-reflection screen will help the suffering persons. Avoiding bright lights and objects from the vicinity of computer will also help the eye and reduce musculoskeletal symptoms.Turning off the bright light,plugging the source of window light, turning off desk lamp, using a shield or providing a partition to block bright light etc should also be done, to reduce the sufferings. Working continuously for long hours in the computers, intermittent blurring of eyes is caused, and the power of accommodation is lost.One cannot focus the eyes on an object for minutes together and at times lasting for hours, causing difficulties for driving.This difficulty can be removed only by wearing proper spectacles and by doing exercises.To avoid fluttering of the eyes and fatigue in the surrounding eye muscles, one should take periodic rests,eliminate glares,and get the eyes examined.One should have the computer screen and the keyboard optimally located and avoid working for long hours in the laptop and notebooks.Then only we can safeguard ourselves from Computer Vision Syndrome
More reviews about the "Beware of Computers!"by Dr.Rohit Shetty,in the New Indian Express, dated 9 th October, 2007