Dr. Hitesh K. Patel of Edison

Too much computer time is dangerous to your eyes.  This article from Time provides the details:

Ever spent more than two consecutive hours looking at a computer screen? Us too. Computers can make us more productive, but the bad news is that too much screen time can also lead to something called computer vision syndrome (CVS). Recognizable as that tired, strained feeling your eyes get after a day in front of a computer screen, CVS affects some 64% to 90% of office workers.
            

               Image Source:Healthland.time.com

The condition likely doesn’t cause permanent eye damage, but it can still affect computer users’ comfort. 

The most common symptoms of CVS include eye strain, redness, irritation or dryness, a burning feeling in the eyes, blurred or double vision after computer use, headaches and neck and shoulder pain.

Several factors increase the likelihood of CVS, including uncorrected vision problems, dry eyes, glares on the screen, poor lighting, poor posture and even the angle of the monitor. Another big factor is incorrect prescriptions: almost 71% of people reporting symptoms of CVS wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

If computer screens are proving a pain in your eyes, here are some guidelines to help ease symptoms:

Have your eyes checked regularly. If you need a new or changed prescription but don’t have it, using a computer will be difficult, period.

Reposition the computer. The screen should be about an arm’s length away and positioned directly in front of your face, not off to the side. Position the monitor so its center is 4 to 8 in. below your eyes, which allows the neck to relax while you read and type.

Follow guidelines for good posture. It’ll reduce strain on the back, neck and shoulders.

Ensure proper lighting. Try the visor test to determine if current lighting is a problem: look at the monitor and cup your hands over your eyes like a baseball cap. If your eyes immediately feel better, then the lighting should be changed. Experiment with brighter and dimmer lighting, as well as the angle of the lights, to find what’s mostcomfortable for your eyes.

Reduce glare. Installing anti-glare filters on the monitor, adjusting window shades and changing the screen’s contrast and brightness can help reduce glare and reflections.

Blink frequently. It should prevent dry eyes. If that doesn’t work, consider using lubricating eye drops. Also make sure air vents aren’t blowing on your face (this can dry out the eyes), and use a humidifier if the room is super dry.

Take regular work breaks. Stand, stretch or just look off into the distance, away from the computer, every 15 minutes or so to give the eyes a break.

Clean the monitor regularly. Dust can decrease screen sharpness, making the eyes work harder.

Try computer glasses. Unlike everyday eye wear, they’re designed specifically for looking at computer screens.

Consider optometric vision therapy. Some computer users have issues with eye focusing or coordination that aren’t corrected by glasses or contacts. Vision therapy consists of doctor-prescribed activities designed to improve visual functioning (think of it as a workout for the eyes — though no guarantees as to calorie burn).

Thanks to Dr. Dominick Maino, professor of pediatics/binocular vision at the Illinois Eye Institute/Illinois College of Optometry, andDr. Leonard Press, developmental optometrist at the Vision and Learning Center, for their help with this article.

Have you suffered from computer eye strain? Have any of these tips worked for you? Share in the comments section below!

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel, an Edison, NJ-based ophthalmologist specializing on the treatment and diagnosis of various vision problems, including cataracts, nearsightedness, and astigmatism.  Visit this website for details.

Millions of Americans suffer from eye allergies. When the allergy triggers, the eyes work on their defense mechanisms, ranging from being itchy and watery to getting swollen and blurring the vision. To avoid the discomfort of eye allergies, it’s essential to understand the triggers and get rid of them before the condition becomes worse. Common allergens include:

• Mother Nature. Grass and weed pollens may be the worst offenders. Depending on the time of year, pollen counts can sometimes be high, so it’s better to stay indoors. Wearing sunglasses can also keep pollens away from the eyes.

Image Source: m.webmd.com



• Pet dander. To control pet allergies, it is advisable to keep pets out of the bedroom, avoid playing with unfamiliar pets, and wash hands immediately after touching a pet.

• Dust mites. Changing clothes, cleaning the house regularly, and investing on mite-resistant beddings will keep the family safe from dust mites. Keeping the humidity levels low at home also helps. Also, mopping and wiping surfaces with damp materials is better than sweeping and dusting.

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• Molds. Molds usually lurk in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, so it’s wise to install a dehumidifier in these rooms. A high quality filter traps mold spores, preventing them from attacking the eyes.

While eye allergies are a natural defense to try to protect the body from an illness, they make people feel uncomfortable in the process. The best way to avoid this is by identifying the triggers and knowing how to avoid them.

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Dr. Hitesh K. Patel is an Edison-based ophthalmologist. Read more about eye allergies and other vision problems at www.pateleyeassociates.com.