ASK
THE EYE CARE SPECIALIST
In
order to answer some of your general questions about eye care,
please send your questions to “Ask the Eye Care Specialist,”
c/o Education Update, 276 Fifth Ave., Suite 1005, New York, NY,
10001 or email: ednews1@aol.com.
We will try to answer as many questions as possible in this
column. Specific diagnoses of eye diseases or conditions cannot
be made. The answers given in this column must not take the place
of your doctor’s advice.
Computers
and Your Eyes
by
Amelia G. Bartelone, OD, FAAO
QUESTION:
My eyes get tired every time I use the computer for more than
15 minutes. What should I do?
ANSWER:
Symptoms such as eye fatigue, eye strain, blurred vision, double
vision, dry eyes and headaches are often associated with computer
use and are referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome. These symptoms
can be related to poor aiming and focusing on the computer monitor.
The staring phenomena created by computers, resulting in dry eye,
can also cause many complaints. Simple tips, such as looking up
and across the room from the computer every 15 minutes and making
a conscious effort to blink, can eliminate many symptoms.
Poor ergonomics can also contribute to eye fatigue with computer
use. Ideally the computer monitor should be at least two feet
away with the center of the monitor slightly below eye level.
The computer monitor should be directly in front of you. An adjustable
chair will help provide adequate height and support for different
users.
Glare can also contribute to eyestrain and fatigue. All windows
should have blinds and those close to the computer should be in
front of the computer operator. Anti-glare screens can be helpful
in minimizing glare.
If symptoms persist, make an appointment to see your eye doctor.
Make sure that he or she tests for dry eye and the aiming and
focusing skills of your eyes. In addition to checking for eye
health and clarity of sight issues, the eye doctor will determine
if any other treatments, such as computer glasses are necessary.
Don’t let Computer Vision Syndrome get in the way of your work
and fun on computers.
Dr.
Bartelone is on the faculty of SUNY College of Optometry and a
member of NYC Children’s Vision Coalition. For more information
on finding an eye care professional near you, or if you have difficulty
paying for your child’s eye care, please contact Lori Brenig,
MPH, The New York City Children’s Vision Coalition, 212-980-2020x13.
If you would like to make a donation to help children get the
necessary eye care, please send to: New York City Children’s Vision
Coalition, 149 Madison Ave., Ste. 805, NY, NY 10016. Thank you!
Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel:
(212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of
the publisher. © 2001.
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