eyehealth1 computer vision syndrome q and a

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18/12 Computer Vision Syndrome Q and A - AllAboutVision.com

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Computer Vision Syndrome Q&A

Questions were answered by andBurt Dubow, OD Charle s Slonim, MD

What to do about tired eyes from too much reading and computer? Teachers from Salter Elementary,

Talladega, Alabama

Q:

This is rea lly a common problem nowadays. See your eye doctor and get a computer vision correction

that will help you focus more accurately and w ith less effort. When prescribed properly, these glasses also

can help you read printed material with greater ease, and the lenses can have tints and coatings to make

your eyes feel a lot better!

A:

I also recommend taking frequent breaks (every 15-30 minutes) where you look at something real far

away, like out a w indow, to relax your focusing muscles. You should also make sure the lighting is correct

for the activity you are doing bright for reading and a bit dimmer for computer work, with no glare. Dr.

Dubow

[Read more about and problems related to computer use.]computer vision syndrome

Is it necessary for adults and children to wear special eye protection when working on the computer? Is

such protection necessary if vision correction spectacles are being used? M.V., India

Q:

No. According to the experts, computer screens do not emit enough harmful rays to cause damage.A: eye

is another issue, however. Having an accurate, up-to-date prescription and an

can make a huge difference in managing your visual comfort while using your

computer. In my opinion, it is also essential to have an on your lenses to minimize

glare. Dr. Dubow

Eye strain ergonomically

appropriate work station

anti-reflective coating

Recently my vision has become increas ingly light sensitive, and when I read, sometimes the words w ill

appear to magnify, then demagnify. Occasionally it seems distance vision is blurred after doing close work.

Is this computer vision syndrome, and what should I do about it?

Q:

The magnify/demagnify thing when I'm reading is my biggest concern. My said he's never

heard of this symptom. Thank you. B.O., Pennsylvania

ophthalmologist

Yup, I think you nailed it on the head. Sounds like computer vision syndrome to me. Your focusing

difficulties are really common to those who spend a lot of time staring at a screen.

A:

I recommend you find a vision practitioner who understands this phenomenon and can prescribe glasses

that w ill help you be more comfortable. You can also he lp yourself by making sure your work station is

maximally efficient and comfortable check out the lighting, height of your screen, angle of your screen,

hand position, etc. Dr. Dubow

Can your eyes and face get burned by computer monitors? J.R., OregonQ:

No. If they could, you'd see a lot of red-faced and red-eyed people. Dr. DubowA:


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The whites o f my eyes are not white. They often become red when I work hard (such as read a book or

use a computer). I am 39 years old. I'm Thai, but now I stay in Belgium to study. Could this be caused by

the change in climate? Should I go to buy eye drops? R.M., Belgium

Q:

Your redness could be a sign that you are having trouble focusing comfortably. Have your eyes

examined to see if you should wear to alleviate near vision stress.

A:

eyeglasses

It is not a good idea to use over-the-counter designed to "get the red out" on a regular basiswithout talking to your first your eyes can develop a tolerance to the whitening agent in

these drops, which could cause even more redness in the long run. Dr. Dubow

eye dropseye doctor

How can I relieve eye stress from looking at computers all day every day? C.W., IllinoisQ:

Eye strain is a very common complaint among computer users. Luckily, the studies I have read show

that there is no medical damage caused by computers.

A:

To relieve some of the stresses and strains, make sure you look up and far away, preferably out a window

or across a room, about every 15 minutes.

It is also important to have a correctly structured and lighted work station. Your computer screen should

be about 10 to 15 degrees below your eye level and tilted slightly away from you at the top, the way you

would hold a book. You should adjust the screen contrast to be comfortable, and the room lighting

shouldn't be too bright.

I also recommend you see your optometrist or ophthalmologist for regular exams, because computer users

can develop vision changes, and an out-of-date can cause a lot of eye strain. Your

eye doctor also can prescribe special to reduce focusing strain and advise you about

lens coatings and trea tments to make your computer vision more comfortable. Dr. Dubow

eyeglass prescription

computer glasses

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