28
Dec 2013
Simple Tips to Avoid Computer Vision Syndrome
Chances are, you or somebody you know received some sort of electronic device with a screen as a holiday gift this year. These days, nearly everyone has personal electronic devices, whether a computer, tablet, smartphone, or laptop.
It’s important to remember that while these devices make our lives easier in many ways, their screens can cause problems for our eyes if we don’t take proper care of them.
Have your eyes ever felt fatigue after using your computer for a few hours? That was probably a case of computer vision syndrome. The majority of individuals who work in office settings have it. It’s caused by staring at a computer screen for hours on end.
Symptoms of computer vision syndrome include redness, burning, blurred vision, pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, and headaches.
There are many reasons for CVS. Most of them are things we might not think of as being harmful to our eyes, but in fact they can be detrimental to our eye health. Monitor angle, bad lighting, poor posture, even incorrect prescriptions for glasses and contacts are all possible culprits for computer vision syndrome.
The good news is CVS is easy to prevent with a few simple precautions.
Lighting: Test the lighting in the area where you will be working, both on the screen and in the room. This will help you determine if you need it be adjusted dimmer or brighter. The key is to find what’s comfortable for you and stick with it.
Glare: Close the blinds and change the angle of the monitor to reduce glare. Putting a filter on your screen helps, too.
Take breaks: Try to get away from the computer for fifteen minutes every hour. Taking a stroll and stretching your muscles is just good for you anyway. If you’re unable to get away from the computer screen, at least try and look away from the screen.
Healthy eyes are so important no matter what age you are. As our lives become more and more entwined with our electronic devices, we must remember to maintain our eye health so we can have good vision for years to come. Try these simple tips to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy as you enjoy your personal devices in the new year.
