Computer Related Considerations
With the enormous advantages associated with increasing computer use in modern society, we have also seen the need for special visual ergonomic and optical considerations. Computer use itself is a relatively visually demanding task. For example, the same text that is written on a piece of paper is usually more difficult to read when it is on a computer screen. Individuals with mild refractive errors may be without symptoms when reading from printed material but have significant symptoms if not corrected by eyeglasses when using their computer.
Computer related oculo-visual symptoms have been collectively termed Computer Vision Syndrome. These symptoms can include: eyestrain and fatigue, headaches, burning, dry and irritated eyes, blurring of the screen, distance blur after working on the computer, headaches, and intermitent double vision. Neck and backaches can also be an associated symptom. Studies show that 50-90% of computer users may have oculo-visual symptoms.
The following are some considerations for relieving the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome:
General Considerations
- Maintain good posture with your feet firmly on the ground. A foot rest is sometimes needed.
- Place the monitor 50-70 cm (a typical distance although it can vary from person to person) from your eyes and position it so you are looking down slightly (about 15 degrees below horizontal so that the top of the monitor is aligned when you are looking straight ahead).
- Use an adjustable holder placed close to the monitor for reference materials.
- Blink frequently or use an over-the-counter artificial tear such as Refresh Tears®, Genteal®, or Theratears® to moisten your eyes. Computer users often blink less often which results in more dry eye symptoms. In addition, office air quality often contributes to this problem.
- Short frequent visual breaks every 10-20 minutes (much better than longer less frequent breaks) are recommended. During these breaks you should be looking away from your computer and near visual tasks. Stand up and stretch once in awhile.
- Avoid glare conditions. There are two main types of glare to be concerned about: a) those from reflections on your computer screen, and b) those from lights shining directly at your eyes. Turn your computer screen away from any lights above or behind you that may cause reflections and associated glare. If necessary use an anti-glare screen. Avoid facing a bright window or light source.
- If possible adjust the room lighting to be slightly dimmed compared to normal room illumination.
- Use a good quality computer monitor. LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) are usually better than old conventional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays. Higher screen refresh rates are generally better.
- In addition, adjust the contrast, brightness, and colours of your monitor to whatever settings seem most comfortable and easy for you to see.
Individual Considerations
- Get a full eye examination to assess your oculo-visual system.
- Assessment of any uncorrected refractive errors including presbyopia should be done to provide the clearest and most comfortable possible vision.
- If you require eyeglasses, then the proper selection of different lens types, lens features, and eyeglass frames can make a significant difference. In particular anti-reflection coating and choice of presbyopic correction can be particularly important.
- Assessment of your dry eye symptoms and other additional contributing factors to your dry eye condition may be helpful.
- Assessment of ocular motility and binocular vision as part of your full eye examination may reveal some difficulties in the ability of each eye to look in various directions of gaze accurately, and to maintain proper alignment and focusing of both eyes together.