How Computers Damage Your Vision

Dry and irritated eyes, difficulty focusing, headaches, backaches,
neck strain, and double vision are just a few of the symptoms
caused by computer use.

Collectively, these symptoms are known as "Computer Vision
Syndrome," which the American Optometric Association (AOA)
defines as being "related to near work - experienced during
computer use."

You might recognize that phrase "near work" from an earlier
lesson. Computer use causes near-point stress-reported by
the AOA as one of the leading causes of nearsightedness
and its progression.

How does the computer hurt your eyes?

Human eyes were not made to look at a computer screen. The screen
you are viewing right now is actually made up of thousands of
pixels. Pixels are, essentially, colored dots that make up the
image you see or the text you read. The more pixels on your screen
for a given image, the clearer the image will appear.

But your eyes cannot focus directly on each of these thousands of
pixels. Instead, you have to focus over and over to keep the
images sharp-which causes strain and tension in your eyes.

Computer screens have also been shown to reduce blink rates by
up to five times! This is why your eyes feel dry and irritated
after staring at the screen.

Think of blinking like breathing: you can't do without it. Reduced
blinking could be said to be the asthma of the eyes.

So, short of quitting your job, what can you do about Computer
Vision Syndrome?
=====================================
Essential Tip #1: Monitor Your Monitor
=====================================

Repositioning your monitor is an easy and effective way to avoid
awkward head or eye movements. It should be squarely in front of
you at a distance of 18 to 28 inches, with the top of the monitor
(not the screen) level with your eyes.

You may also have to adjust the angle of your monitor to allow
your eyes to remain in a natural position (straight ahead and
slightly down).

=============================
Essential Tip #2: Glare Care
=============================

Modifying your office lighting will eliminate glare and harsh
reflections. First, find the source of the glare: is it coming
from a window, task light, or the computer screen itself?

Adjust blinds or curtains to minimize sunlight. Turn down
overhead lights so that the brightness of the screen and the
surrounding room are balanced. Task lights should be positioned
to provide direct light for reading and other office work but
should not shine directly on the computer.

===================================================
Essential Tip #3: Take a Break-the "10-10-10" Rule
===================================================

It's easy to lose track of time at the computer. So you need to
learn how to take a break. Here's how:

Every time you are performing close vision work for over 10
consecutive minutes, look up and focus on anything that is
at least 10 feet away, for at least 10 seconds.

This simple rule helps to prevent the damaging effects of
near-point stress and could literally save your eyesight!

================================================
Essential Tip #4: Some Folks Have Special Needs
================================================

Seniors should take extra care arranging their work stations. The
AOA notes that workers over 50 years of age require twice the
light levels of younger adults for comfortable work.

By the same token, very often small children share the same
computer as their parents, a situation that can lead to injury,
as monitor distance and position have been set up to accommodate
the adults.