Have you ever considered that your laptop or computer could be
affecting your health? We all know that toothache means a trip to
the dentist, but do we think about a visit to the optician when we
get headaches? We should.
Many of our patients are surprised to hear that the main tool of
their work and hobbies can be the cause of persistent, regular
headaches, blurred vision (particularly at the end of the day),
neck pain and dry eye problems.
The combination of these symptoms is increasingly being
recognised as Computer
Vision Syndrome. This could be considered
'RSI' of the eyes.
The fact that our eyes protest at such prolonged periods of hard
work is not altogether surprising. They were not designed with the
intention of sitting for hours at a time with our focus fixed at a
single distance. Our eyes are used to moving focus between objects
at different distances without spending too long at any of
them.
The point is that the distance at which our eyes focus needs to
be varied throughout the day - something that computer use does not
encourage.
Just imagine using your sense of hearing in the same way and
forcing yourself to listen to a monotone sound, always coming from
the same direction, at the same volume. The likelihood is that you
would quickly find yourself wanting to do something to change
it.
So, check the following list to see if you could be susceptible
to Computer Vision Syndrome:
• Prolonged focus on a fixed, near object, such as a VDU
• Reduced blink rate whilst concentrating
• Poor workstation layout
• Glare
• Uncorrected vision problems, such as latent long-sight, or
poor binocular vision
• Use of incorrect glasses and spectacle lenses for computer
work: something that is particularly noticeable once you hit your
mid-40s, when you may need reading glasses
Tackling the problem is not difficult. First, make sure you have
something to focus on in the distance away from your screen. This
could be out of the window or even along the length of a long
office.
Make sure your chair is supportive and comfortable and ensure
your desk is at the right height for a good working posture.
Next, have regular eye tests (at least every two years), with a
qualified optometrist. Ensure your glasses have an appropriate lens
design for computer use, such as Rodenstock's Nexyma, with an
anti-reflection coating to reduce glare.
Aim for regular rest breaks for your eyes, with 20 minutes of
screen use followed by at least 20 seconds of distance focus.
Invest in some lubricating eye drops and work on regular blink
exercises to make sure you get the most benefit from your
blinks.
Remove as many sources of glare as possible, reduce screen
brightness and make sure lighting is well balanced, with no
flickering.
Provision of eye tests
Anyone using a VDU at work may well be eligible for an eye
examination and contribution towards appropriate glasses, as laid
down by the Health & Safety (DSE) Regulations (1992). This
regulation states that the employer must provide appropriate
eyesight tests and, if necessary, glasses for VDU use. So ask your
local optician what you are entitled to - it might be more than you
think.
David Summers is an optometrist practicing at Melina Joy
Opticians in Heathfield, Sussex