Computer Glasses and Eye Strain
Computer vision syndrome
Do your eyes hurt or burn when looking at a computer screen? Do they tear, or feel tired after hours of computer use? Do you get headaches after staring at a CRT or LCD computer screen? Do you have neck or shoulder pain? If so then you are probably suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS). I see many patients who suffer from this condition and have never been offered a comprehensive solution to their problem.
The best way to deal with this is to first have a comprehensive ophthalmological exam to rule out eye diseases. Once this is done then the more basic issues can be addressed.
Think about the extent and type of your computer use by reviewing the following issues:
If your computer vision use is mostly work related do you feel better
on weekends than during the work week? If you feel better on days that
you do not work then CVS may be an issue.
Do you primarily use a laptop or desktop computer? Where is the
computer display relative to your eyes? Is it directly in front of you
or do you look down as when using a laptop? Your doctor should know
where the display is in order to customize your computer glasses.
Measure the distance between your eyes and the computer screen before
coming in for customized computer eyeglasses.
Is your display an old fashioned CRT or an LCD screen? LCD screens are
easier on the eyes and usually have an anti-reflective surface.
Old-fashioned CRT screens can cause a noticeable “flicker” of images on
the screen, a major source of computer eye strain. Even if this flicker
is imperceptible, it can still contribute to eye strain and fatigue
during computer work. Complications due to flicker are even more likely
if the refresh rate of the monitor is less than 75 hertz (Hz). If you
must use a CRT at work, adjust the display settings to the highest
possible refresh rate.
How is the lighting in your computer workspace?
Glare is a factor for
computer eye strain. It is important to understand that glare can come
from various sources, such as reflections off of walls, and not just
your computer screen. Several tools can be employed to reduce glare,
such as placing an anti-glare screen or a computer hood on your monitor. Do you wear bifocals or reading glasses? These are usually not
appropriate for computer use. Dedicated specially prescribed computer
glasses are necessary if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses,
because these lenses are generally not optimal for the distance to your
computer screen. Putting the head back to see the screen through bottom
of bifocals or progressives is what causes neck and shoulder pain.
Are your eyes dry? Even if they aren’t dry under normal conditions
people tend to blink less frequently when they stare at a computer
monitor, so additional lubrication with artificial tear drops is very
helpful. The tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long
non-blinking phases, which can be especially problematic for contact
lens users. Blinking is very important when working at a computer; it
rewets your eyes to avoid dryness and irritation.
A component of computer eye strain is focusing fatigue. To reduce your
risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen, look
away from your computer every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object
outside or down the hallway. Looking far away relaxes the focusing
muscles inside the eye to reduce fatigue. This is especially true for
patients under forty (40) years of age.
For more information or to make an appointment call Zaffater
Eye Center: 318-747-5838 or Toll Free: 866-480-3937.