In this internet era, our eyes are exposed to so many visual display units like computers, tablets, smart phones etc. They have become part and parcel of our day today life. Checking whatsApp messages would probably the first and last thing to do for many of us everyday. But as we know, every good thing has a bad side too. One of those things associated with smart phones is called Computer vision syndrome. (CVS)
Computer vision syndrome can be described as strain on your eyes due to prolonged uninterrupted use of visual display units (VDU). The amount of strain depends on many factors like lighting in the room, glare and display quality of the digital screen, seating posture and coexisting uncorrected visual problems like refractive errors and dry eyes. It is our duty to know about this condition and educate our younger generation too.
The focusing system of eyes are not meant for electronically generated characters on the VDU which are made up of small dots when compared to solid black letters in white background as in textbooks. The extra effort needed for focusing creates fatigue to the eyes and causes symptoms pertaining to Computer Vision syndrome.
Symptoms of CVS are:
Neck and shoulder pain
Eye strain, tired eyes, burning sensation, watering or dryness of eyes
Blurred vision or double vision
Headache
Top tips to minimize CVS:
20-20-20 rule: Easy but very effective technique, You have to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of system usage. This helps in relaxation of focusing muscles of the eyeball reducing the fatigue. This also helps in tear film redistribution reducing the dryness of eyes. A quick walk in your cabin or simple stretching of limbs during these breaks has an added advantage.
Appropriate seating and lighting: It is recommended that the monitor should be at least 30 inches from your eyes and 4-5 inches below the eye level. A comfortable chair with support for your back and neck and a table for the monitor. The glare can be reduced by using a filter or switching to lower watt bulbs in your desk lamp.
LCD screen (Liquid Crystal Displays): LCD screens have very high refresh rates compared to cathode ray tubes. Refresh rate is the number of times per minute the screens repainted to produce an image. Flicker of screen due to low refresh rates causes fatigue and headache. LCD screens reduce eye discomfort by minimising flicker.
Wear appropriate glasses: Get your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist for uncorrected refractive errors. Corrective glasses reduce the eyestrain and obviously the CVS. Even if you don’t have erefractive error, plain glasses with anti reflective coating (ARC) helps in reducing the symptoms of CVS.
Lubricating eye drops: Normally people blink 10-15 times per minute. Studies have shown this rate is significantly reduced when working at a computer. Also, the wider opening of the eyes when working on the system causes rapid evaporation of the tears. This causes dryness of eyes . Regular use of lubricating eye drops help to relieve the dryness.
Contact lens users: Dryness increases in system users wearing contact lenses. Special type of contact lenses called Silicone hydrogel lenses lubricate the eyes better. Contact lens friendly lubricant drops are also available.
@copyright to Dr Meenakshi Krishnan M.B.B.S., D.O., FRCS(Glasg) U.K.
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