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| Computers And Your Eyes
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Article Author:
Andrew Cate
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Computers have changed the way we live and communicate. They have moved our focus away from reading printed documents to reading them on brightly lit computer screens.
While computers have brought certain benefits to the community and to business, they have also presented us with challenges for our health, in particular our eyes.
Computers and eye strain
Eye strain is not a medical term or diagnosis. However it is characterised by pain, discomfort and fatigue in or around the eyes. Headaches, blurred vision and dryness may also occur.
In fact, according to the RACGP Complete Home Medical Guide (Dorling Kindersley) ‘aching and discomfort are commonly attributed to eye strain … but are often headaches caused by tension or tiredness of the muscles around the eyes’.
Avoiding eye strain
• Ergonomics
Working at computers requires concentration and the need to focus on brightly lit screens. If the screen is either too high or too low, muscle strain can occur as the eyes strain to look up or down for extended periods. It is therefore important to ensure that the screen is correctly aligned at eye level. Exceptions may apply to people with multi-focal or bi-focal glasses. In these cases, the screen may need to be in a lower position.
• Avoid dryness
Lubrication is important for healthy eyes. Long periods of focussing on a computer screen can interfere with the eyes’ natural defence of blinking. Ensure that you blink as often as you normally would and take regular breaks. Blinking helps to stimulate tear flow, however in some cases artificial tears may be necessary. Remember that air-conditioned work places can also cause dry eyes.
• Glare
Reducing glare is an important aspect of managing eye strain. Ensure that overhead lighting does not hit your computer screen or reflects light from nearby windows. For brightly lit rooms, investigate the use of Daylights which help to reduce glare.
An underlying problem?
Eye problems can sometimes be the result of an underlying visual problem such as long-sightedness or astigmatism. Consult your doctor if you experience continuing symptoms of eye strain.
Andrew Cate writes for Australian health insurance provider ahm. For more about leading a healthy lifestyle, health insurance andhealth cover, visit the website. |
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