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COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Do you experience

  • eyestrain
  • headaches
  • blurred vision, especially in the distance
  • reduced efficiency
  • tiredness

after long spells on the computer?
Computers can do wonderful things for us but they are very hard on the visual system. Visual stress is very common amongst computer users as the whole visual system becomes very tight. Worldwide, many people are now slipping into myopia (short-sightedness) in their late teens or twenties as a result of sustained computer use. Australia has one of the lowest incidences of myopia in the world but even here the rate is growing quickly.

Children and computers
Children's visual systems are still developing and the way they use their bodies (including their eyes) will now affect how they develop as adults. They are particularly vulnerable to long term changes to their vision.

What to do

  • Break up computer time into shorter units. Look away every 15 minutes.
  • Change focus - look away and make distant objects clearer. Your focus needs to relax to do this so give it time.
  • Change activity - balance computer time with whole body, outdoor activities like walking the dog, playing ball sports or cycling to a friend's house.
  • Be aware of your peripheral vision. Go for a run and expand your visual spatial world.
  • Children. Limit computer time to 20-30 minutes for young children.
  • If older children have a lot of homework and need to use the computer, break up the tasks and cut back on recreational use.

Ergonomic Tips

  • The top of the monitor screen should be 10 degrees (and the centre of the monitor 20 degrees) below the user's straight ahead seeing position.
  • The appropriate distance from the viewer's eyes to the screen is at least 35-50 centimetres.
  • Reference material should be placed as close as possible to the screen.
  • Adjust the screen brightness and contrast to a more comfortable level.
  • Reflected glare from the screen and lights can be minimised with anti-reflective coated lenses.
  • Have your eyes thoroughly examined regularly.

What can a behavioural optometrist offer?

  • Comprehensive assessment of your individual visual needs.
  • Education and exercises.
  • Stress-relieving glasses.

 

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