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COMPUTERS AND VISION

More than 50 percent of computer users experience eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision and other visual symptoms related to sustained use of the computer. This type of stress on the visual system can also cause body fatigue and reduced efficiency at work. In addition, there are now indications that heavy computer users are at risk.
Many of these symptoms can be reduced through a combination of correcting workstation conditions, posture, stress-relieving lenses prescribed specifically for computer operation, special anti-glare screens, eye exercises and nutritional supplementation.
We were born to have hunters' eyes, needed for spotting game or danger at a distance. But during the last 50 years nearly all our work and much of our recreation, for example, video games, has shifted the focus of our vision to arm's length. This increased amount of near visual tasks often produces such changes as nearsightedness, suppressed vision in one eye, poor eye teaming and reduced efficiency at work and at play.
Many computer users experience visual stress due to: 1) an increase in the number and complexity of necessary eye movements and focusing skills, 2) poor lighting conditions, glare and distracting reflections, 3) screen flicker rate, and 4) above all, the extended amount of computer use.
Computer visual stress may underlie many direct and indirect symptoms. Eyestrain is a common direct symptom, while the need for shifts in posture and muscular strain resulting from poorly arranged work stations cause eye problems indirectly and other physical problems directly.
Direct Computer Stress Symptoms
headaches while doing or following computer use
irritated and/or dry eyes
blurred vision
slow refocusing when looking from screen to distance objects
frequently losing place when moving eyes between copy and the screen
difficulty seeing clearly at a distance after prolonged computer use
occasional doubling of vision
changes in color perception
changes in glasses prescription
Other Computer Stress Symptoms
neck or shoulder tension and pain
back pain
pain in arms, wrists, or shoulders when working on the computer
lowered visual efficiency and more frequent errors
DeskTop Work Station Recommendations
The computer screen should be slightly below eye level (about 20 degrees). Copy should be at the same level as the screen.
Locate keyboard so your wrists and lower arms are parallel to the floor.
Chairs should provide proper back support and be adjustable
Adjust the chair height so your feet are flat on the floor with thighs parallel to the floor
Adjust the worktable so legs and knees clear it's underside
The screen brightness and contrast should be adjusted by the operator for the maximum viewing comfort
The workstation lighting should provide a 10:3 ratio: screen characters 10 times brighter than the screen background; room illumination 3 times brighter than screen background
Each workstation should have an adjustable shaded copy lamp that can be aimed by the operator without causing screen reflections
Eliminate glare and screen reflections by moving or tilting the computer or getting an anti-glare screen.
Try not to face toward windows or bright light sources
Operators should face into an open space beyond the computer screen
Clean the screen regularly as they attract dust
Short, frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent breaks. Try 2-3 minutes every 15-20 minutes, 5 minutes every 30 minutes, or 10 minutes every hour.