Computer Eye Strain - result of technology

In this hi tech era we use computers for every work and overlook the circumstances that can influence our health. More than 50 percent of computer users experience eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms. Eyes are one of the important organs of our body and we should never ignore them. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) on November 19, 1999, "Computer vision syndrome (CVS), defined as a complex of eye and vision problems that are experienced during and related to computer use, is a repetitive strain disorder that appears to be growing rapidly.

Causes:

Symptoms:

• Eyestrain
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Red, dry or burning eyes
• Increase in nearsightedness
• Slow refocusing
• Difficulty seeing clearly at a distance after prolonged computer use
• Excessive fatigue
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Occasional double vision
• Changes in color perception

Prevention: There is no treatment for eye strain however by opting small changes in your lifestyle you can provide rest to your eyes.

• Minimize the glare from the screen.
• Position yourself so the centre of the screen is below the straight ahead seeing position and angle the monitor back slightly.
• Look away from the screen and focus on an object in the distance every fifteen minutes.
• Re-adjust your lighting system at home and at work. Make sure the light is directed right at what you are doing.
• When working outside, make sure you always wear protective sunglasses to avoid the glare of the sun.
• If you are at work, try to focus on another task for a few minutes every hour. Try a relaxation exercise time to time. Short, frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent breaks.
• The computer screen should be slightly below eye level (about 20 degrees).
• The screen brightness and contrast should be adjusted by the operator for the maximum viewing comfort.
• Try not to face toward windows or bright light sources.
• Replace your old tube-style monitor (called a cathode ray tube or CRT) with a flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD). As LCD screens are easier on the eyes and usually have an anti-reflective surface.
• Clean the screen regularly as they attract dust.

Eye Exercise: Eye exercise is very beneficial to protect your eyes.

1.  Look away from your computer every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object outside or down the passage.
2. The palming exercise will teach you to relax your eyes, which in turn will bring healthy energy to your eyes. Rub your hands together until they feel warm. Then place your cupped hands over your closed eyes softly. The fingers of each hand should overlap and rest gently on the center of your forehead.
3. Hold your thumb six inches from your nose. Focus on your thumb. Take one deep breath and exhale slowly. Then focus on an object about 10 feet away. Take another deep breath and slowly exhale.
4. Sitting or standing at one end of a room, let your eyes scan around the edges of objects in the room.
5. Place a bowl of hot water (should not be very hot) and a bowl of cold water (ice cold) in front of you. Put a wash cloth in each bowl. Place the wash cloth from the bowl of hot water against your closed eyes for 30 seconds. Then do the same with the wash cloth from the bowl of cold water. Finish by gently massaging your closed eyes with a dry towel.

If you are using computers excessively, then have a comprehensive eye examination periodically. Follow these small tips and gift yourself a healthy eye to visualize this beautiful world.

(Sources: visionworksusa.com, allaboutvision.com, naturaleyecare.com, eyestrainsoftware.com)