Tackling eye-strain due to computer
use
G. Ravishankar
David used to sit in the computer for more than ten hours a
day. Can you assume what was the consequence? He started
complaining of “blurred” eyes. The strain due to computer use was
really terrible.
According to studies, computer use is the major cause of
eyestrain. More than half of all computer users experience eyestrain symptoms
such as headaches, blurred vision and other symptoms associated with the use of
computer screens. This is called "Computer Vision Syndrome". Visual
stress from excessive close-up work may also cause complaints of general
fatigue, reduced efficiency at work and higher error rates as the amount of
time spent using computers increases.
Many of us work for hours each day in front of
displays. It is very important to establish viewing conditions that minimize
stress to our eyes. This note presents a number of steps that you can take to
assure good monitor viewing conditions. This note does not address the equally
important concerns of physical stress.
We need to analyze the reason for eye strain. Periodical medical check up is essential to
avoid potential damage to the eye.
There are cases where people lose their sights as the problems remain
diagnosed for a long time.
A number of steps can be taken with your display
turned off:
minimizing
reflections, controlling
ambient light, establishing
a suitable surround, and establishing
a comfortable viewing distance.
Other steps are dependent on your display:
adjusting Brightness,
adjusting Contrast,
and on a color
CRT, adjusting convergence.
The principles explained here can be applied to improve the picture quality
of computer displays and television monitors and receivers.
Constant use computers can cause::
Sore, tired,
burning or itching eyesWatery eyesDry eyesBlurred or
double visionHeadache and
sore neckDifficulty
shifting focus between monitor and paper documents in your work areaColor
fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitorIncreased
sensitivity to light
Viewing text and graphics on computer screens has
created a new source of stress on our eyes and overall vision system. Today,
nearly all our visual demand''s on the job and during recreation have shifted to
close up viewing, meaning within arm''s length away.
The most common reason today people go to the eye
doctor is because their eyes feel strained from working on the computer.
According to research, the number of eye exams due to computer related strain
was up to 20 million by the year 2000.
A study by the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health found that 88 percent of people who worked on
computers complained of eyestrain as their primary symptom when working with a
computer.
It''s often at work (or school) that people begin to
realise they have a problem with their eyes. That doesn''t mean that work is
harmful to your eyes (although it can be) but that work or school is where we
most need to see well.
We may be stressed, tired, trying to read tiny
print or study tiny diagrams, and using our brains to think out problems fast,
relying on all our senses. And so often these days, work also means sitting
staring at a computer screen or VDU which puts extra demands on our eyes.
So looking after your eyes at work is vital. But
many people don''t even have regular sight tests. It''s estimated that as many as
one in three working people have visual defects (such as short or long
sightedness) which have never even been diagnosed or have not been properly
corrected. These problems may come to light when you do visually demanding
work.
Make sure you have your eyes tested at least once a
year or more often if you have symptoms. You may be able to demand temployer provides regular eye tests especially if you work at a VDU - check
health and safety regulations.
Even if your eyes are healthy, your job can put
extra strain on your eyes or cause other eye-health problems. Eye strain means
a sensation of tired eyes, which may be accompanied by increasing difficulty
focussing or seeing, dryness, headache and general discomfort.
Relax and go for a walk. Try to
stand up and move around at least once every hour or so. If possible, lean back
and close your eyes for a few moments. At the very least, try to give yourself
a five-minute rest every hour. Do other work, such as phone calls or filing,
during this time.
Because many people blink less than
normal when working at a computer, dry eyes can result from prolonged computer
use. Blinking produces tears that can help moisten and lubricate your eyes.
Make a conscious effort to blink more often.