Beware of computer vision syndrome - xBhp.com : The Global Indian Biking Community

Bunny · 01-20-2005, 01:08 AM

DO you spend more than two hours a day working on a computer? Do you sometimes experience headaches, loss of focus, burning/tired eyes, double or blurred vision or neck and shoulder pains? If the answer of any of the above questions is yes, then there are high chances are that you suffer from computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is a term used to describe eye strain and tiredness, temporary weak vision, dry irritated eyes, light sensitivity and other vision and muscular problems that stem from using a computer.

The causes

Visual problems: People who are already near-sighted, far-sighted, or have astigmatism are more likely to develop computer vision syndrome. Multi-focal lenses make it even more difficult because the screen is higher and further away from the zones meant for distance and near.

Computer glare and reflection: Glare from surrounding lamps and lights can also lead to eyestrain.

Improper workstation design: One of the most common problems in the workstation set-up is that the monitor of the computer is placed too high. The top of the screen should be at the eye level. This is because the ideal gaze angle is 10 to 20 degrees below the eye. A screen that is too high can lead to dry, irritated eyes as you blink less frequently. It also causes headaches and neck and upper back pain because the head is tilted back to see.

Dry environment and dehydration: These two very common occurrences in the workplace and home office can worsen the problem of irritated and dry eyes. The air quality is poor in many offices. To make matters worse, computer work can be very engrossing and you may forget to get something to drink. Or you may not feel you have the time to get up

Reading new, unfamiliar material at work: When you strain to catch hold of unfamiliar information and have to do it on a tight deadline, the mind can become stressed and agitated. And when there is mental agitation or stress, this is transmitted to the whole upper body - the arms, shoulders, neck and head. This is why reading at work can be so draining and exhausting. But then you can go home and watch television for three hours or sink into your favourite chair with a magazine. Mental states can interfere with normal vision.

CVS is caused when the eyes and brain react differently to characters on the screen than they do to printed characters. Normally, eyes have little problem focusing on most printed material, which is characterized by dense black characters with well-defined edges.

Healthy eyes can easily maintain focus on the printed page. Characters on a computer screen, however, don’t have this contrast or well-defined edges. These characters (pixels) are brightest at the centre and diminish in intensity toward their edges. This makes it very difficult for our eyes to maintain focus and remain fixed onto these images. Instead, our eyes drift out to a point called the “resting point of accommodation” or RPA.This continuous flexing of the eyes focusing muscles creates fatigue and a feeling of tired eyes that are so common after long hours at the computer.

Nowadays, not only adults but also more and more children are using computers and for extended periods. Sitting for hours in front of a computer screen stresses a child’s eyes because the computer forces the child’s vision system to focus and strain a lot more than any other task. CVS not only affects the eyes but also leads to other kinds of aches and pain. Trying to avoid monitor glare often leads to improper posture which causes backache, neck-ache, etc. So, then, how can we avoid CVS, especially when a computer has become an essential part of our workplace and also at home?

Use proper lighting

Eyestrain is often caused by excessively bright light coming in from outside and excessively bright light inside. When you use a computer, the ambient lighting should be about half that used in most offices. Eliminate exterior light by closing drapes, shades, or blinds. Reduce interior lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes. If possible, position your monitor so that windows are to the side of it, instead of in front or back.

Minimise glare

Glare on walls and finished surfaces as well as reflections on the computer screen itself can also cause eyestrain. You may want to install an anti-glare screen on your monitor. Again, when outside light cannot be reduced, use a computer hood. Have an anti-reflective coating applied to your glasses. This will prevent glare and reflections on the backside of your lenses from reaching your eyes.

Adjust the brightness of your computer screen

Closely match the brightness of the environment with that of your computer screen, by using the buttons on the monitor. Also adjust the monitor to make sure the contrast between the screen background and the on-screen characters is high. And make sure that the text size and colour are optimised for the most comfort. Also, position your desk lamp so that it doesn’t shine on the computer screen or into your eyes.

Blink more often

Blinking is very important when working at a computer — it rewets your eyes to avoid dryness and irritation. According to studies, people blink less frequently — about five times less than normally when working at a computer. Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Office buildings may have excessively dry environment that also reduces tearing. Also try this exercise: every 30 minutes blink 10 times by closing your eyes as if falling asleep (very slowly).

Exercise and stretch your eyes

Look away from your computer screen every 30 minutes, and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object outside. Another exercise to readjust your focusing is to look far away at an object for 10-15 seconds and then near for 10-15 seconds, rocking your focusing back and forth between near and far. Do this 10 times. Both of these exercises will help you prevent strained near vision and stretch your focusing muscles.

Take frequent breaks

Follow 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break and look 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

Modify your workstation

If you need to look back and forth between a printed page and your computer screen, this can cause eyestrain. Place written pages on a copy stand and adjacent to the monitor. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height. Purchase ergonomic furniture to insure proper screen locations and posture.

Exercise even when sitting

Anyone in a sedentary job, especially those using computers, should stand up, move about, or exercise their arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders frequently. While these measures will resolve the issue in many cases, it is recommended that the eye care practitioner be visited for consultation whenever symptoms of computer vision syndrome are observed.

The writer is Chairman and Medical Director, Centre of Sight, New Delhi
email: msachdev@bol.net.in

ashvinnadig · 01-20-2005, 02:55 AM

Nice find man....

Good for us blokes who sH.it hours together in front of the TV sort of a thing called a computer...

sripurna_987 · 01-20-2005, 02:56 AM

Very well written, i too work in front of computer for long hours. The one irritating part is when the light from bulbs and tubes reflects of ur comp screen, it really hurts in the eyes. try and adjust the pitch of ur screen.

sachinontop · 01-20-2005, 03:08 AM

thanx doctor...!

powerslave · 01-20-2005, 03:53 AM

I already got that beemari, confirmed from doctor.

ketan86 · 01-20-2005, 04:35 AM

yeh man i think i got dis crap too!!! all the damn symptoms.!!!
but already got an antiglare specs. so yeh i can chill
thnx for da info bunny

loveable_sagi · 01-20-2005, 04:37 AM

touchwood havent got any of such problems.. working 13hrs daily on comp frm last 4 yrs...

kar1zma · 01-20-2005, 05:05 AM

well ive been sitting in front of a pc since the past 4-5 years only and experianced burning eyes only when i sat on a pc after a vacation or so
thanx for the info man and even more for the tips

prodigy350 · 01-20-2005, 05:12 AM

well, i am suffereing from RSI and also have all the above symptoms...god knows what will happen to me after 4-5 years..

parv · 01-20-2005, 05:18 AM

Thanx alot for the info buddy, hope u too follow it

01-20-2005, 01:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bunny Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Delhi Posts: 760	Beware of computer vision syndrome DO you spend more than two hours a day working on a computer? Do you sometimes experience headaches, loss of focus, burning/tired eyes, double or blurred vision or neck and shoulder pains? If the answer of any of the above questions is yes, then there are high chances are that you suffer from computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is a term used to describe eye strain and tiredness, temporary weak vision, dry irritated eyes, light sensitivity and other vision and muscular problems that stem from using a computer. The causes Visual problems: People who are already near-sighted, far-sighted, or have astigmatism are more likely to develop computer vision syndrome. Multi-focal lenses make it even more difficult because the screen is higher and further away from the zones meant for distance and near. Computer glare and reflection: Glare from surrounding lamps and lights can also lead to eyestrain. Improper workstation design: One of the most common problems in the workstation set-up is that the monitor of the computer is placed too high. The top of the screen should be at the eye level. This is because the ideal gaze angle is 10 to 20 degrees below the eye. A screen that is too high can lead to dry, irritated eyes as you blink less frequently. It also causes headaches and neck and upper back pain because the head is tilted back to see. Dry environment and dehydration: These two very common occurrences in the workplace and home office can worsen the problem of irritated and dry eyes. The air quality is poor in many offices. To make matters worse, computer work can be very engrossing and you may forget to get something to drink. Or you may not feel you have the time to get up Reading new, unfamiliar material at work: When you strain to catch hold of unfamiliar information and have to do it on a tight deadline, the mind can become stressed and agitated. And when there is mental agitation or stress, this is transmitted to the whole upper body - the arms, shoulders, neck and head. This is why reading at work can be so draining and exhausting. But then you can go home and watch television for three hours or sink into your favourite chair with a magazine. Mental states can interfere with normal vision. CVS is caused when the eyes and brain react differently to characters on the screen than they do to printed characters. Normally, eyes have little problem focusing on most printed material, which is characterized by dense black characters with well-defined edges. Healthy eyes can easily maintain focus on the printed page. Characters on a computer screen, however, don’t have this contrast or well-defined edges. These characters (pixels) are brightest at the centre and diminish in intensity toward their edges. This makes it very difficult for our eyes to maintain focus and remain fixed onto these images. Instead, our eyes drift out to a point called the “resting point of accommodation” or RPA.This continuous flexing of the eyes focusing muscles creates fatigue and a feeling of tired eyes that are so common after long hours at the computer. Nowadays, not only adults but also more and more children are using computers and for extended periods. Sitting for hours in front of a computer screen stresses a child’s eyes because the computer forces the child’s vision system to focus and strain a lot more than any other task. CVS not only affects the eyes but also leads to other kinds of aches and pain. Trying to avoid monitor glare often leads to improper posture which causes backache, neck-ache, etc. So, then, how can we avoid CVS, especially when a computer has become an essential part of our workplace and also at home? Use proper lighting Eyestrain is often caused by excessively bright light coming in from outside and excessively bright light inside. When you use a computer, the ambient lighting should be about half that used in most offices. Eliminate exterior light by closing drapes, shades, or blinds. Reduce interior lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes. If possible, position your monitor so that windows are to the side of it, instead of in front or back. Minimise glare Glare on walls and finished surfaces as well as reflections on the computer screen itself can also cause eyestrain. You may want to install an anti-glare screen on your monitor. Again, when outside light cannot be reduced, use a computer hood. Have an anti-reflective coating applied to your glasses. This will prevent glare and reflections on the backside of your lenses from reaching your eyes. Adjust the brightness of your computer screen Closely match the brightness of the environment with that of your computer screen, by using the buttons on the monitor. Also adjust the monitor to make sure the contrast between the screen background and the on-screen characters is high. And make sure that the text size and colour are optimised for the most comfort. Also, position your desk lamp so that it doesn’t shine on the computer screen or into your eyes. Blink more often Blinking is very important when working at a computer — it rewets your eyes to avoid dryness and irritation. According to studies, people blink less frequently — about five times less than normally when working at a computer. Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and cause dry eyes. Office buildings may have excessively dry environment that also reduces tearing. Also try this exercise: every 30 minutes blink 10 times by closing your eyes as if falling asleep (very slowly). Exercise and stretch your eyes Look away from your computer screen every 30 minutes, and focus for 5-10 seconds on a distant object outside. Another exercise to readjust your focusing is to look far away at an object for 10-15 seconds and then near for 10-15 seconds, rocking your focusing back and forth between near and far. Do this 10 times. Both of these exercises will help you prevent strained near vision and stretch your focusing muscles. Take frequent breaks Follow 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break and look 20 feet away every 20 minutes. Modify your workstation If you need to look back and forth between a printed page and your computer screen, this can cause eyestrain. Place written pages on a copy stand and adjacent to the monitor. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height. Purchase ergonomic furniture to insure proper screen locations and posture. Exercise even when sitting Anyone in a sedentary job, especially those using computers, should stand up, move about, or exercise their arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders frequently. While these measures will resolve the issue in many cases, it is recommended that the eye care practitioner be visited for consultation whenever symptoms of computer vision syndrome are observed. The writer is Chairman and Medical Director, Centre of Sight, New Delhi email: msachdev@bol.net.in __________________ My little big blog bunnypunia.blogspot.com

01-20-2005, 03:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
sachinontop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Delhi, India. Posts: 378	thanx doctor...! __________________ vrrrooooooommm....BOOMMM...! Heard the sonic boom? Yeah, it was me...!

01-20-2005, 03:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
powerslave Ninja Chacha Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Close to the Tail of the Dragon. Posts: 181	I already got that beemari, confirmed from doctor. __________________ Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/garagenoise/ Blog: http://garagenoise.blogspot.com http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...etbikecopy.gif

01-20-2005, 04:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
ketan86 Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, India. Posts: 70	yeh man i think i got dis crap too!!! all the damn symptoms.!!! but already got an antiglare specs. so yeh i can chill thnx for da info bunny __________________ smell my exhausts if u cant keep up wid my ride!!! PeACe & bOoTy GReASe!!!!

01-20-2005, 05:18 AM	#10 (permalink)
parv Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Delhi, Delhi, India. Posts: 58	Thanx alot for the info buddy, hope u too follow it __________________ Parv - Legendary with Bikes SMART \'N\' FAST

01-20-2005, 02:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
ashvinnadig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 249	Nice find man.... Good for us blokes who sH.it hours together in front of the TV sort of a thing called a computer...

01-20-2005, 02:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
sripurna_987 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Posts: 4	Very well written, i too work in front of computer for long hours. The one irritating part is when the light from bulbs and tubes reflects of ur comp screen, it really hurts in the eyes. try and adjust the pitch of ur screen.

01-20-2005, 04:37 AM	#7 (permalink)
loveable_sagi Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Delhi, , India. Posts: 60	touchwood havent got any of such problems.. working 13hrs daily on comp frm last 4 yrs...

01-20-2005, 05:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
kar1zma Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: hyderabad, Eastern Province(KSA) Posts: 425	well ive been sitting in front of a pc since the past 4-5 years only and experianced burning eyes only when i sat on a pc after a vacation or so thanx for the info man and even more for the tips

01-20-2005, 05:12 AM	#9 (permalink)
prodigy350 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Hyderabad, AP, India. Posts: 169	well, i am suffereing from RSI and also have all the above symptoms...god knows what will happen to me after 4-5 years..

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