Computer Vision Syndrome!

Article by Suchi Kalra

Suchi Kalra is a freelance writer and regularly contributes to MyBindi.com. She can be reached at shuch.singh@gmail.com

As a practicing optometrist, I very often come across people who have no apparent eye problem but complain about headache, fatigue, strain in the eyes and dry-eyes. What all of these people have in common is- long hours of work on a computer. Believe it or not, computer related eye problems are recognized as a separate entity called the "Computer Vision Syndrome" or CVS. In this modern era of technology, a life without a computer is simply unimaginable for most of us. While some people just check an occasional mail, there are others for whom their lives and professions depend on the computer. Young children are often hooked onto the charm of online gaming and teenagers are addicted to social networking sites. The IT industry is booming and everything that was once manual is now computerized. Nevertheless, as much as it makes our lives easier, computers come with their own set of health hazards.

When we work on a computer screen, our eyes and muscles undergo some physical and physiological changes. Our blinking rate- a mechanism used to keep the eyes evenly moist drastically reduces as we are so engrossed in the screen and kind of "forget" to blink. This causes the tear film on our eyes to break and dry up sooner and induce a burning and gritty sensation eventually leading to red swollen eyes. Since the distance between our eyes and the computer screen is usually very less, our eyes have to exert extra effort and "accommodate" so as to focus on the object on the screen. Doing this for a prolonged period without a break leads to fatigue, headache and eyestrain. Not only eyes, our work-place ergonomics also determines our posture and the onset or related problems like spondylitis and back pains. An uncomfortable chair or a low table can cause us to slouch and bend forward - affecting the health of the backbone in the long run. One might wonder as to why we can read a book for hours and never get tired- so what's so different about a computer screen? The distance at which we read a book is much lesser that the distance at which we place out computer screen. Secondly, the image on a monitor is made up of many pixels which are brightest in the centre and fade towards the periphery whereas the black pigment of print offers a uniform black-and- white contrast which our brain finds easier to intercept. all the problems stemming from the above discussed mechanisms are collectively termed as the "Computer Vision Syndrome".

Computer Vision Syndrome is characterized by chronic eye-strain, occasional blurring of vision, dryness or burning sensation in the eyes, increased sensitivity to light, head-ache and neck, shoulder or back pain. Most computer users face one or more of these problems to a greater or lesser degree. Unfortunately, these are often dismissed as "stress-related" or "lack of sleep". Though CVS is not a disease per se, it is definitely a cause of concern because of its growing prevalence. Ocular discomfort and other symptoms have a direct impact on an individual's performance and personal well-being thus affecting his/her efficiency at work.

Though Computer Vision Syndrome is fast gaining momentum, especially among the youth and the middle-aged, there are a few strategies that can be employed to ensure good ocular health.

- Make sure your workstation is comfortable and choose a chair that adequately supports your spine and it adjusted to your height so that your feet comfortably rest flat on the floor. An awkward height of either the chair or the table can cause undue strain on your neck, backbone and eyes.

- If your child is a "screen baby", ensure that computer time is limited to a couple of hour as too much muscle work during the growing period can interfere with the normal growth and development of your child's visual system.

- The computer screen should be placed at a level lower to that of your face so that the eyes are partially covered by your eyelids while you work and do not become too dry. Adjust the height so that the screen is at a slightly lower level than your eyes while you sit upright and erect.

- Time your breaks at regular intervals and spend 10-15 minutes sitting with your eyes closed or/and focusing on a distant object like a tree outside your window. This exercise helps "stretch" your eye muscles are reduces the chances of strain. Use an alarm clock or a reminder on your computer that will nudge you to take a break every hour or so.

- Avoid placing your computer at a place where it can reflect too much light (like beside a window or opposite a lamp). Use anti-reflection coatings on your screen to minimize glare. Research has established that the symptoms of CVS were significantly reduced in subjects who used anti-reflection coatings on their spectacles too!

- Tilt your screen to a slightly downward angle so that it does not reflect light directly into your eyes. You will be amazed as to how effective this seemingly simple technique turns out to be!

- Another simple but helpful tip is to use "reverse contrast" on your screen. White letter on a black background reduce the glare from a screen and provide a better contrast. Always adjust the font size to a comfortable and adequate level so that you don't have to squeeze and squint while reading.

- Keep a pack of preservative-free lubricating drops handy to use at bed-time or even at your work-place. Believe me, they are very refreshing!

- For those above forty, it is important to be wearing the right correction. Talk to your eye care practitioner about your occupational demands and ask for an "intermediate" distance correction along with your reading glasses. Special "computer glasses" are now available which can be custom made as per your need to ensure a comfort and productivity.

Computer Vision Syndrome is just another addition to a long list of life-style induced ailments, except that its solution is relatively simple. Paying attention to detail is after-all worth the trouble if it promises better health and comfort for your eyes. Work on the computer for as long as you want but take care not to stress yourself out. Small measures go a long way in maintaining the health of your eyes and back. Remember, health always comes first!