About Eye - Computer Vision Syndrome

Introduction

Over the last twenty years, the pace of advance in electronic technology has been breathtaking. From the first limited-use personal computers and their fuzzy-imaged information exchange monitors (also known as CRTs and VDTs), the industry has evolved to offer faster chips, more capable software, higher storage capacity, the promise of the Internet with on-line living and the tease of a paperless society

A person's vision is not suited for staring at a computer screen for many hours. Computer screens are made up of pixels or tiny dots, on which the eye can not lock its focus. The computer user must therefore focus and refocus to keep the images sharp. This results in receptive stress of the eye muscles.

Defination

The American Optometric Association defines computer vision syndrome:- "Computer Vision Syndrome as a collection of symptoms experienced by computer users in the course of their work. They include: fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, inability to maintain near focus, progressive refractive changes, neck and shoulder discomfort, changes in color perception and pain in or around the eyes."

Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome

Any electronically-generated image has fuzzy edges.
Constantly gazing at an intermediate distance (at the monitor) -continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles creates the fatigue and eye strain that commonly occur during and after computer use.
Decreased rate of blinking
Words on a computer screen are created by combinations of tiny points of light (pixels), which are brightest at the center and diminish in intensity toward their edges. This makes it more difficult for our eyes to maintain focus on these images.
caused by our eyes and brain reacting differently to characters on a computer screen than they do to printed characters

Kids and Computers

Adults used computers almost exclusively when they were first introduced. Today, millions of children are using computers every day, at school and at home, for education and recreation
The potential impact of computer use on children's vision involves the following factors:

Children often have a limited degree of self-awareness. Prolonged activity without a significant break can cause eye focusing (accommodative) problems and eye irritation.
Children are very adaptable. Although there are many positive aspects to their adaptability, children frequently ignore problems that would be addressed by adult
Children are not the same size as adults. Since children are smaller, computers don't fit them well. Since the most efficient viewing angle is slightly downward about 15 degrees, problems using the eyes together can occur. In addition, children may have difficulty reaching the keyboard or placing their feet on the floor, causing arm, neck or back discomfort.
Children often use computers in a home or classroom with less than optimum lighting.

Here are some things to consider for children using a computer:

Have the child's vision checked. This will make sure that the child can see clearly and comfortably and can detect any hidden conditions that may contribute to eye strain. When necessary, glasses, contact lenses or vision therapy can provide clear, comfortable vision, not just for using the computer, but for all other aspects of daily activities
Strictly enforce the amount of time that a child can continuously use the computer
Carefully check the height and arrangement of the computer.
Carefully check the lighting for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor.
Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

Visual Symptoms

Blurred vision
Slow focusing
Frequently losing place
Double vision
Squinting
Change in color perception

Ocular Symptoms

Irritation, Itching
Burning
Watering
Dry eyes
Contact lens discomfort
Sore eyes

Asthenopic Symptoms

Eyestrain, Eye Fatigue
Headache
Tired eyes
Lack of concentrate

Lighting Problems

Flicker perception
Glare
Photophobia
After images

Musculoskletal

Backache
Neck ache
Wrist/ handache
Shoulder ache
Elbow pain
Footache

Other

Tension
Fatigue
Irritability
Nervousness
Errors
Poor air quality
Noise

Some Causes of Computer Syndrome and Possible Reasons and Solutions

Headache can be Computer Vision Syndrome -

Can be due to uncorrected error
Accommodative disorders
Excessive strain
Posture related
Due to persistent cold and cough[sinusitis]

Dry Eye can be Computer Vision Syndrome:-

Improper blink----so blink more that also complete blink
Poor screen displays
Inadequate breaks

Blur Vision can be Computer Vision Syndrome:-

Uncorrected refractive error -------- glasses
Accommodative disorder
Improper screen display

Eyestrain can be Computer Vision Syndrome

Posture related
Dry eyes
Improper blinking
Inadequate breaks

Neckache or Backache can be Computer Vision Syndrome :-

Due to improper posture
Long hours of work
Screen level not proper

Double Vision can be Computer Vision Syndrome

Uncorrected refractive error
Convergence problem
If sever consult your doctor

Color Distortion can be Computer Vision Syndrome

Due to old screen
Needs service
Poor contrast

Some Self Help Tips For Computer User

1. Follow 20-20-20 rule:-after every 20 minutes of work look away from the screen at 20 feet for atleast 20 seconds

2. Stop periodically to blink and avoid "half blink". Eyes blink less generally during computer use.

3. Use anti reflection coated glasses if you have prescription. And use anti reflection screen on your computer screen if you don't have power (prescription).

4. People with moderate to severe eyestrain or fatigue may need glasses

5. You can use preservative free lubricating eye drops periodically.

6. Whether you use glasses or lenses visit your optometrist for routine eye check up.

7. Sit approximately 20-28 inches away from the screen.

8. The centre of the computer screen should be 4-9 inches below your eyes

9. Check your posture from time to time to reduced neck, shoulder and wrist pains. keep your wrist straight while typing and not supported on sharp edges

10. Try to use copyholder for documents to reduce neck movements.

11. Try to use adjustable chair.

12. Legs should always rest on ground.

13. Arrange room lighting such that glare and reflection on screen are minimum. Place light sources perpendicular to your computer, so they wont shine in your eyes or reflect on your screen.

14. Adjust the monitor for the most contrast that you are comfortable with.

Alarm-

Any of the symptoms ever noticed, or if you are a prolong computer user. You should immediately visit your eye doctor to do a through eye check up to find out whether are you suffering from computer vision syndrome - they would be able to guide you for the appropriate solution of your problem

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