Computers and the eye

By David Khorram, MD

Almost everyone who works in an office these days works on a computer. And many people have computers in their homes. People often ask me, “Can the computer hurt my eyes?”

A commonly overlooked problem is something called “Computer Vision Syndrome.” This is very common in people who use computers, and affects about 75 percent of people who work extensively on computers. What are the signs of Computer Vision Syndrome? The most common complaints of people with Computer Vision Syndrome are eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, and neck and backache.

Although any kind of work that requires a person to use their eyes for close reading for long periods of time can cause symptoms like these, computer users seem to have the symptoms more commonly than expected. Why is that? Well, it seems that much of the problem is caused by the glare or reflection from the computer screen. The position of the computer screen can also affect the symptoms, as can the distance of the screen from your eyes.

There are some simple steps that you can take to help decrease the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome. First of all, try to position the screen so that the middle of the computer screen is about five to six inches below eye level. The eyes are naturally relaxed when they are looking slightly down.

Another step that you can take is to control the glare from the screen. If possible place the computer terminal so that windows are at right angles to the screen, rather than behind or in front of it. This helps cut down on the glare and reflections from the screen. Try to make sure there are no reflections on the screen from overhead lights or lamps. You can also adjust the contrast of the screen so that the letters are sharply defined. Newer flat screen monitors have less of these problems.

Although the most comfortable viewing distance differs from person to person, it is generally recommended that you position yourself about 16 to 30 inches from the screen.

If you are typing from a document or “hard copy,” putting it in the proper position can also make things easier. Make sure that if hard copy needs to be keyed into the computer, it is placed about the same distance from the eye as the screen and that there is enough light to read the hard copy without straining. Using an adjustable document holder that places the hard copy at the same height and distance as the computer screen can help.

Also, give yourself a break. All computer users should take “vision breaks” once in a while. Let the eyes rest for five to 10 minutes for every two hours of continuous computer use. Get up, and move around. Let your eyes focus on objects that are at least 20 feet away.

Finally, have your eyes examined regularly. Let your eye specialist know how much and how often you use a computer. If your eyes are prone to dryness, if you wear glasses, or if you have underlying vision problems or eye muscle imbalances, there are other recommendations that your eye specialist can make to help make you more comfortable. Sometimes you may need eyedrops or glasses. Bifocal wearers may need a different prescription for computer work than for regular reading work.

Although Computer Vision Syndrome is one of the fastest growing occupational health problems, the good news is that these simple steps can cut down on the problems that you have working at your computer.

(David Khorram, MD is a board certified physician, public speaker, and a Life and Style columnist for the Saipan Tribune. Questions and comments are welcome. Email davidkhorram@hotmail.com. Copyright © 2004 David Khorram.)