Computer Vision Syndrome:

Symptoms & Solutions


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According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), itˇ¦s time to take a closer look at an increasingly common condition know as computer vision syndrome, or CVS. Characterized by a range of symptoms including sore or tired eyes, headache, and blurred vision, CVS is now believed to affect more than 15 million Americans and may cost as much as $1 billion a year in medical care in the United States.

 

People who use computers or video display terminals (VDTs) regularly are no doubt familiar with one or more of the CVS symptoms, which also include dry eyes, red or burning eyes, tearing, slow, refocusing, contact lens discomfort, color perception problems, and glare sensitivity. CVS is even associated with ergonomically related complaints of neck, shoulder, and back pain.

 

Living in the Computer Age

 

ˇ§People are using computers at home for everything from email to shopping on the Internet,ˇ¨ says James Sheedy, OD, PhD, and clinical professor of optometry at the university of California at Berkeley. ˇ§Growing numbers of office workers and school children are also using them, so this is a significant public health issue.ˇ¨

 

Although CVS is irritating, and often painful, it has gone relatively unnoticed because simply walking away or shutting off the computer may relieve the pain. But with an estimated 70 million Americans relying on computers daily for work and play, we need to learn how to minimize the symptoms of CVS before they arise.

 

Creating the Right Environment

 

Eye care and computer experts agree that by optimizing our viewing environment, we cam eliminate many of the cause of CVS in the workplace and at home.

 

ˇ§Computer screens per se are not dangerous,ˇ¨ explains Charles McCormick III, MD, an Indiana-based ophthalmologist and member of the Better Vision Institute Advisory Council. "Studies of VDTs have shown that there is no real threat from electromagnetic radiation nowadays. In fact, they're very safe. The main causes of CVS are improper viewing conditions and poor workplace ergonomics."

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Seeing the Light

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In any kind of "near work" such as computing, the most important thing is to establish proper lighting. Ideally, the contrast ratio (the ratio of light to dark areas) on the display screen should be as high as possible. By minimizing glare and ambient light in the room, dark areas will appear darker, the contrast ratio will increase, and eyestrain will be reduced. Most monitors allow you to set the "brightness" and "picture" levels (usually found on the front panel) for maximum contrast between blacks and whites.

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Charles Poynton, author and digital video consultant, suggests the following: To set your optimal light conditions, turn off your display monitor and take a look at reflected glare, including your own reflection. on the screen. Adjust the direct and ambient lighting from lamps, overhead fluorescents, and windows. If there's a window in front of you, draw the blinds, or move your desk so that the light is to your side and slightly behind you.

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With your monitor on, adjust the viewing area around your screen - what you see in your peripheral vision field. Try to keep this surrounding area no brighter than the brightest white on your screen. Adjust the base of your monitor to minimize reflection further, and if you still see glare, try attaching an antiglare guard in front of your screen or placing cardboard "baffles" on the sides.

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Taking Care of You

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In terms of posture, ergonomic experts say to keep your feet flat on the floor, keep wrists straight when typing, and support elbows and wrists softly when at rest. While some recommend a distance of 20-26inches between you and the monitor, others sat to sit as far from the monitor as you ca while still being able to read the screen. The center of the screen should be 4-9 inches below your horizontal line of sight. If you're looking at documents while typing, place them as close to the screen as possible.

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Choosing large, readable fonts for viewing and editing text onscreen will also help to ease eyestrain. Remember to blink often in order to keep eyes lubricated, and use eye drops to relieve sore or itchy eyes.

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To give your eyes a rest, experts recommend taking frequent breaks of varying lengths - from a short glance away from your screen while you refocus your eyes; to standing and stretching for a minute or two; to leaving the workstation altogether for an extended break. If possible, take 15 minutes off for every 45 on the computer. One ergonomist recommends the "20/20" rule - every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

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Seeing an Eye Care Professional

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Sheedy, who spoke recently at the AOA annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, advised, "Anyone who spends more than a few hours at a computer each day needs to consult an optometrist for a thorough eye examination, whether they are having difficulties or not. He or she can make suggestions for correcting trouble spots that could be contributing to computer vision syndrome."

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Suggestion may include rearranging home or office workstations, vision therapy (exercises to reduce eyestrain), or special task-specific computer eyeglasses. McCormick explains, "Just as skiers need protective eyewear UV rays on the slopes, some VDT users require lenses that are optimized for multifocal lenses, which have a wide area for viewing the computer monitor in the upper portion of the lens and an area for close keyboard work in the lower portion. You should avoid "one-size-fits-all" eyewear, however, as each person's vision needs are unique.

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Before CVS becomes a problem, McCormick recommends taking a few minutes to look at the big picture. Examine how, when, and where you use your computer and then take steps to correct your environment, your posture, and even your vision if necessary. Computer may be a part of our lives, but we won't have to live with CVS.

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Source:

Computer Vision Syndrome:

Symptoms & Solutions

Healthwatch by Medscape

Jan. 2000

Author: Joanie Stewart, Medical Writer