Computer Vision Syndrome and How To Combat It
Working at your computer can be very strenuous on your eyes. Regardless if you have good vision or require vision correction prolonged computer use puts your eyes through changes. There are some tools and tips that can offer you help. If you notice fluctuations in your vision while you are at work or play at the computer, try some of these tips out. They are sure to bring some relief.
1) Notice changes in distance and how they affect what you are looking at. If you are nearsighted, you may tend to get up close to the computer monitor. This causes extra strain on your neck and shoulders. Seek a vision correction, either with contacts or reading glasses that puts your focal point at a proper distance.
2) You may want eyeglasses that offer multifocal points. These glasses, have a range of power corrections that allow you to see clearly at different areas. A bifocal lens will work or you can opt for a more complex style of optics with a progressive lens. For example, the papers on the desk, the computer monitor and your colleague who walks in to you office. All by looking through different parts of the lenses.
3) Contact lenses are also made with a multifocal effect. Even if you never required contact lenses before but are now effected by presbyopia (if you are 40 or over, presbyopia has got you). To be fit with contact lenses, you must visit a qualified contact lens specialist.
4) Rather than using complex multifocal type glasses or contacts, you may simply choose to have a pair of computer glasses. If you wear reading glasses, you may use those. Or you may buy reading glasses that have a power about .50 of a diopter less than your regular reading glasses. (If you wear a 1.50 for reading the newspaper, consider a 1.00 for the computer). The weaker power will allow you to focus on the screen from a little farther back, reducing neck strain.
Now, let us take a look at general eye health as it relates to computer vision syndrome. Do you think your eyes were developed to stare at a monitor for hours on end without blinking? Do you believe that they enjoy doing such a task?
I trust you realize that through evolution, eyes were not designed for computer use. However there are a couple practices we can incorporate to make using the computer more pleasant.
The number one factor why our eyes bother us at the computer is because we do not blink often enough while staring at the screen. This leads to dry eyes and excessive eye strain. So what can you do about it? Blink more often.
Easier said than done, but there are programs that can help. Hypnosis style software programs can command your subconscious to blink while staring at the screen. Programs such as these really can work wonders. And the best part is, you won’t even realize they are running in the background.
Also, at least once every hour look away from your monitor to give your eyes a rest. Take off those Scojo reading glasses, or computer glasses and simply close your eyes or look off in the distance. This will relax your eye muscles and restore your natural blink rate.
Combine these tactics with a good pair of computer or reading glasses, some great styles to consider are EyeBobs or Seequa. Both very functional with many styles to choose from. Also use some quality re-wetting drops and your eyes will be happy and you can enjoy comfortable and productive time behind the computer monitor.
Tags: computer vision syndrome | computer vision syndrome | computer glasses | computer glasses | reading glasses | reading glasses | eye health | dry eyes | dry eyes | vision | cvs | cvs