Computer Vision Syndrome: Eye Strain Caused By Prolonged Screen Viewing
Computers have become an integral part of everyone's life.
They have made things so much fast and simple but have brought with them new
problems related to the eyes. These problems
affect all those who spend a significant time working on the computers
everyday. However, these computer related eye problems are mostly due to our
own wrong habits. Its cluster of problems e-pain (which may mean
electronic / eye pain) which is also called Computer Vision Syndrome.
What are the problems?
- Pain
- Redness
- Watering
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Poor Concentration
Pain and eye strain being so common among the computer users that it would be appropriate to call this cluster of computer related eye problems: e-Pain.
What causes these problems?
An understanding of what causes these
symptoms can help us take appropriate preventive steps. It is important to
know that computer monitors do not emit any harmful rays or radiations
(monochrome or color). The causes of the trouble are:
- Constantly gazing at a near distance (at the monitor)
- Decreased rate of blinking
Convergence
Fatigue:
When we look at a near object both our eyes
move towards each other (converge) to fixate at the target. Prolonged viewing
of the monitor at close distance leads to fatigue of convergence and its
weakness / insufficiency. This consequently leads to eye strain, pain and
headache.
Infrequent
Blinking:
Decreased rate of blinking while working on
computers leads to instability of the tear film of the eyes. This leads to
feeling of dryness, irritation, redness and a reflex watering from the eyes.
What is the solution?
There
is no single magic remedy for this problem. Following set of measures can be
undertaken together to get relief:
Proper Visual Hygiene:
- Monitor should
be placed about 2-3 feet from the eyes (or at the farthest comfortable
distance).
- Do not gaze
constantly at the monitor for long duration. Take your eyes off the screen
every 5-10 minutes.
- Every half an
hour or so close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to give them rest.
- Every hour or so
take a 5 minutes break (go for a stroll or run some errand).
- Make a conscious
effort to blink more frequently. Avoid sitting in front of an air
conditioner facing its air draft while working on computer.
- Convergence Exercises
- Regular eye
exercise can help prevent the problems caused by working on computers or
even heavy reading or writing work. These exercises are advised for all
computer professionals, students, office workers, etc.
- Sit on a chair
upright and look at a far off small object.
- Then hold out a
pen at level with your eyes at an arm's length and look at its tip.
Gradually bring the pen close to your
eyes to a point where you feel a mild strain on your eyes. The tip of the pen
should remain clear and single in appearance. Hold the pen in this position for
about half a minute and then again gradually take it back to an arms length.
Hold it here again for about half a minute, and then again bring the pen close
to your eyes. Repeat above step 10 times and then again look the far off small
object. Again repeat the whole sequence.
In the beginning this exercise should be
done for 5-10 minutes just once a day in the morning at a time when you are
fresh and rested. After one week it should be increased to twice daily and
after two weeks thrice a day. Avoid doing the exercise when you are tired or
are having pain in eyes or headache. In the initial period when you begin
exercising the pain in the eyes and headache may increase, but this should not
discourage you. As you continue the exercise you will gradually feel relief
from the symptoms over 2-3 weeks. Continue the exercise for 2 months to build
good eye muscle strength and reserves power.
Lubricant
Eye Drops
Lubricant eye drops instilled 3-4 times a
day help in soothing the eyes and relieving irritation and redness. Many
preparations are available in the market e.g. Tears Plus, Hypotears Plus, Moss,
Moisol, etc. Although allergy or reactions to these eye drops are uncommon yet
one should be careful in using them, and if they cause any irritation, redness
or swelling of the eyes they should be immediately discontinued. It is
advisable to consult an ophthalmologist before using any eye medicines.
*Anti-glare glasses do not provide any
relief.
*It is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist before using
any eye medicines.
(SOURCE: NDTV Doctor)
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material copyright healthcare nt sickcare. 2017 – 2018. Terms and conditions & Privacy Policy of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes
only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Source: This article inspired from various online articles and own
offline experiences. The content meant for public awareness and regular post to
clientele of healthcare nt sickcare.
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