Computer Eye Strain

Eyestrain associated with computer use isn't thought to have serious or long-term consequences, but it's disruptive and unpleasant. If you or your child spend more than two hours each day in front of a computer screen, you likely experience some symptoms of computer vision syndrome or CVS.

The main symptoms of CVS are -

• Sore, tired, burning or itching eyes
• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Headache and sore neck
• Difficulty shifting focus between monitor and paper documents in your work area
• Color fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitor Increased sensitivity to light

Since this a profession related complication, it can be treated with modifying the work area and introducing some alterations in the work habit to reduce the symptoms.

• The computer screen should be slightly below eye level (about 20 degrees). Copy should be at the same level as the screen.
• Wrists and lower arms are parallel to the floor while working on keyboard.
• The working chair should be comfortable with a good back support.
• Sit straight on the chair with feet flat on ground, thighs parallel to ground and back erect.
• The screen brightness and contrast should be adjusted by the operator for the maximum viewing comfort.
• The workstation lighting should provide a 10:3 ratio: screen characters 10 times brighter than the screen background; room illumination 3 times brighter than screen background.
• Eliminate glare and screen reflections by moving or tilting the computer or getting an anti-glare screen.
• Try not to face toward windows or bright light sources.
• Operators should face into an open space beyond the computer screen.
• Clean the screen regularly as they attract dust.

To reduce the symptoms, there are some alterations in the work schedule that can be done.

• Take a break after every 11/2 to 2 hours. Get up from the workstation and walk 20 paces one side and 20 paces the other side. Sit on your chair and close eyes for 3-4 minutes.

Consciously blink your eyes more frequently as the blink rate is reduced with continuous work on computers causing dryness.

• Use artificial eye drops for lubricating the eye.
• If still symptoms persist, then get an eye examination done to rule out any refractive error. If there is one, then use corrective glasses for the same.