Are You Suffering From Eyestrain As A Result Of Computers? Eyeris Is Here To Help.

COMPUTERS And EYESTRAIN

Human eyes function more efficiently and less strenuously when seeing at distance. Working with a computer requires the use of your eyes at a closer range, usually intensely, for long periods of time. This alone can strain your eyes and may cause vision problems to develop or aggravate existing vision conditions.

Typical computer work involves shifting the focus of the eyes from document to keyboard to screen, on average at least once every second. This unnatural situation is often the cause of eye strain and operator stress.

Eyestrain:

Eyestrain is a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms including tiredness, irritation and soreness of the eyes, screwing up of the eyes, photophobia (discomfort in bright light) and headaches. Eyestrain is often the cause of frontal headaches and relief can mostly be obtained by means of prescription lenses, contact lenses or vision therapy.

Due to the intense demands made on the visual system, people using VDU’s (Visual display units) are more prone to suffer from the above symptoms. These can be brought about by various factors, including refractive errors, eye muscle imbalances, incorrect sitting postures, design limitations of the equipment, unsuitable lighting, and office surroundings and psychological factors.

Fortunately, most VDU-related vision problems can be easily alleviated through proper workstation planning, work habits and most importantly, professional eye care.

Common symptoms of computer terminal eye strain:

Headaches
Tired sore eyes
Eye Irritation
Blurred vision
Slow refocusing when looking from copy or screen to distant objects
Frequently losing place when moving eyes to screen and vice versa
Difficulty in seeing clearly at distance after prolonged use of a computer terminal
Occasional or frequent double vision
Changes in colour perception
Present lens prescription failing to relieve symptoms

Other symptoms from which computer operators may suffer:

Neck, shoulder tension or pain
Back pain
Excessive physical fatigue
Increase in irritability when using VDU’s
Pain in arms and wrists (Carpal tunnel syndrome)
Increased nervousness
Lowered visual efficiency and increased frequency of errors

VDU workstation suggestions:

Many vision and stress problems can be alleviated by making changes in your working environment. Consider the following for optimising your VDU positioning:

Make sure the terminal is not placed in such a way that the operator sees only the screen or a wall behind the screen
Try to provide the opportunity to look well beyond the screen, out into open space
VDU screens should be slightly below eye level (15 to 20 degrees)
Copy or documents being read should be at the same level as the screen
The screen should be positioned 500-600mm from the operators’ eyes
Position the keyboard so that the wrists and lower arms are parallel to the floor (raise the chair or lower the desktop)
Chairs should provide proper back and leg support and the height adjustable
Adjust the chair height so that the feet are flat on the floor or rest on a foot support with thighs parallel to the floor
Adjust the work table so that the legs and knees clear its underside

Office equipment technology is constantly being improved to the ergonomics of the working environment.

Lighting – A vital factor:

One of the main causes of complaints from VDU operators is glare. Steps should be taken to avoid this problem which can occur as a result of reflections from the surfaces of the VDU screen and from other contrast between the text, screen and surroundings.

The idea is to have even, comfortable illumination. Consider the following:

Lighting in the work environment where VDUs are used should be as indirect as possible
Fluorescent ceiling fans should be fitted with diffusers. If it is possible, lighting should be beamed upwards to diffuse at the ceiling
Computer workstations should be provided with adjustable shaded copy lamps that can be moved by the operator to minimize screen glare
Match as closely as possible the brightness of the surroundings with that of the VDU screen for optimum comfort and efficiency. However, the contrast between the characters, the screen and the background should be high
Minimize reflected glare on VDU screens by having VDUs positioned away from windows and other sources of bright lighting. Use window shades, vertical blinds or curtains to block out excessive sunlight.
Adjust the VDU contrast and brightness to achieve the most comfortable viewing level. These adjustments need to be done at different times during the day if the work environment is influenced by altering levels of daylight.
Anti-glare screens are available

Maintenance of the computer terminal: Regular maintenance of VDUs is essential to avoid, for example, a reduction in brightness, contrast and legibility. Older VDUs in particular, tend to require regular focus and alignment – resetting to ensure visual sharpness and avoid flickering and movement of the display. Diminishing screen images and clarity will lead to significant eye strain and operator stress.

For the best operator performance and efficiency:

Look up and away from the VDU every few minutes
Take frequent short breaks
Have a comprehensive optometric examination annually. Make sure your optometrist knows about your current VDU use
Have spectacle lenses with an anti-reflective coating and a blue filter for comfort and protection from the harmful blue light emitted by the screen.

Eyeris The Optometrists

Eyeris The Optometrists

EYERIS always aims at exceeding expectations. When you become a patient of this practice, the health of your eyes will be their first concern, the second being to get the best possible visual performance for all your lifestyle needs.

Meet The Team

With a team of optometrists and dispensing opticians who specialize in visual correction and thorough care of the eyes, Eyeris has the latest techniques and equipment used in examining and safeguarding one’s sight.

Vision and Style being their driving words, EYERIS is committed to setting a standard of excellence. The practice prides itself with the latest advances in eye health care practices having an array of the most up-to-date vision care technology.

Some of the services and products include routine eye examinations for persons of all ages; thorough retinal examination using advanced technology; dispensing of spectacles by professionals who will advise you on the choice of the frame with comfort and cosmesis in mind; designer and budget eyewear; contact lens fitting, including specialized lenses for astigmatism and keratoconus and low visual aids.

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