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Symptoms
such as dry eyes, irritated eyes, contact lens problems, or
if blinking helps to clear your vision can be due to dry
eyes. It is common for computer users to have dry eyes. This
is because we don't blink much and we hold our eyes wide
open when working at the computer, resulting in drying up of
the tear film.
The
following steps can help alleviate your symptoms:
- Concentrate
on blinking whenever you begin to sense symptoms of dry
or irritated eyes.
- Use
artificial tears to re-wet and lubricate your eyes. Use
as recommended by your doctor.
- Lower
your computer screen so that the center of the screen is
4-8 inches below your eyes.
- If you
are seated in a draft or near an air vent, try to
eliminate the flow of air past your eyes.
- Low
humidity or fumes aggravate a dry eye condition.
- Take
periodic breaks from prolonged reading, computer work or
watching television to prevent eye muscles fatigue.
Initially, breaks can be for 5 minutes every ½ an hour.
Later as dryness improves and muscle fatigue gets less,
the breaks can be titrated as per need.
Computer
Glasses
Many
computer users need a pair of glasses for their computer
work that is different from the glasses they use for their
other common visual needs. Some computer users may have a
vision disorder such as a minor astigmatism that would not
otherwise require correction if they weren't performing a
demanding visual job such as at the computer. In these
cases, the person needs a pair of glasses only for working
at a computer. These are called "computer
glasses".
The
bifocals or progressive addition lenses that are usually
prescribed for presbyopia [difficulty in near sight after 40
years of age] don't work well for computer work. The best
solution for the presbyopic computer user is a lens that is
specifically designed for the ergonomics of the computer
workstation. These special computer lenses are designed to
accommodate the unique viewing distances and angles at a
computer.
Computer
Viewing Distance
The
body assumes whatever position is required to enable the
eyes to see comfortably. A poorly located computer screen
causes awkward body positions. This is why it is important
that your computer screen be located so that it is
comfortable for both your eyes and the rest of your body.
Although
there can be a wide range of acceptable viewing distances,
depending upon the computer screen and tasks to be
performed, a viewing distance of 20-28 inches is most
common.
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