RELAX YOUR EYES: 10 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

If you have a job today that does not require some type of computer work, you must live alone on a tropical island!  Today, statistics show that over 75 million people employed in the US sit in front of a computer for at least 5-6 hr a day either because they have to (for work/job seeking) or choose to (pleasure/text/surf). More than half of these....37,500,000 have or will have in their lifetimes a relatively new medical condition called CVS (computer vision syndrome).  Symptoms include blurred vision, headaches and dry, irritated eyes.

CVS has become a real health threat that not only affects physical health,  but also emotional health due to the threats to relaxation and increase in anxiety and stress.  Top 2 contributing factors from computer use are the self-illuminating glare and positioning required for extended computer use. CVS differs from simple eye fatigue is the number of symptoms you experience on a daily basis. 

If you are experiencing two or more symptoms  daily for more than 30 days, you should consult an eye physician.  There is a new emerging product on the market specifically designed for computer users. The upper part of the lens allows the user to see the monitor closely, while the bottom part helps the user focus on the keyboard and documents to be read.

10 Tips for Relaxing Your Eyes:

SAFETY RULE: 20-20-20=20/20. Interpretation? Looking 20 ft away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of computer use for 20/20 vision..

1. Allow at least 30 minutes of eye rest from computer use every 4 hours by doing something eye easy. Start a load of clothes. Fold a load of clothes. Prep dinner. Unload the dishwasher. Clean the bathtub.

2. Wash your eyes with cool water at least at the beginning and end of each day as part of your daily routine.

3. Keep cucumber slices in refrigerator for external application of eye tension as needed.

4. Close your eyes, roll your eyes to relax eye muscles and deep breathe for 1 minute every hour if possible.

5. Use artificial tears periodically to lubricate your eyes.

6. Use an antiglare screen on your computer.

7. Position your computer screen at least 4-8 inches lower than your straight-ahead line of vision.

8. Make sure your bifocals or trifocals are kept in alignment.

9. Keep your sitting distance from computer equal to distance you use for reading.

10. Consult an eye physician for ongoing symptoms of CVS: blurred vision when you shift gaze from the computer screen to distant objects; dry eyes; eye strain; headaches; increased sensitivity to glare; discomfort from contacts; neck and shoulder pain.