Computers and Your Eyes

Computers are ‘normal’ in most workplaces and they are certainly common in many homes. They have become part of everday life for most of us. But did you know that more than 50% of computer operators experience eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision?

These problems occur along with other visual symptoms related to the increase of sustained near point visual stress that is associated with the use of computer screens.

Visual stress can reduce work efficiency.

Visual stress can also magnify complaints of general body fatigue; reduce work efficiency and can increase your error rate as the day progresses. Most of these symptoms can be alleviated through a combination of correcting the workstation conditions and by using stress-relieving lenses prescribed specifically for computer operation. In some cases, the situation is also relieved by improving visual skills with visual training. If you would like to find out more about stress-relieving lenses or vision training, chat to one of our Canon Street optometrists and they’ll be happy to help you!

The workstation can often be improved by lowering the height of the screen, or raising the height of the user. The top of the screen should be about 10 degrees below the user’s straight-ahead sight line, and the viewing distance from eyes to screen should be between 35 and 50cms.

Documents that are being used should be places as close to possible to the computer screen, perhaps on a document holder. This will minimise large movements by the eyes and head. Regular breaks are also important, and glancing away from the screen every few minutes will also make the work more comfortable.