You've been sitting at your computer for hours. You've got your ergonomic workstation , so your arms and wrists don't hurt. You've got your ergonomic chair with built in back support, so your back and shoulders don't hurt. And you've also accomplished all you set out to today. So you feel great. That is except for one thing...two actually. Your eyes are killing you.
A study conducted by Cornell University found that among office workers, eyestrain was a very common complaint. And the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety has stated that eyestrain and other vision-related physical problems (blurred vision, headaches, back and neck pain) are more common among office workers than carpal tunnel syndrome .
While many forms of work can lead to eyestrain, most work-related eyestrain today relates to extended hours in front of a computer monitor called computer terminal-related eyestrain or video display terminal (VDT)-related eyestrain.
Our eyes are designed to constantly shift their focus between objects that are near and objects that are far away. Eyestrain can result when the eyes focus on a single, close up object for extended periods of time, exactly what working at a computer terminal usually requires.
Related symptoms include:
How can eyestrain and its related symptoms be avoided? First, have a yearly eye exam to make sure there are no problems with your eyes. If you wear eyeglasses you might discuss with your optometrist or ophthalmologist whether contact lenses or "computer glasses" (specifically designed for working at a computer monitor) may be helpful for you.
If you wear bifocals, especially if you're over age 50, Dr. Paul Vinger, clinical professor of ophthalmology at Boston's New England Medical Center, suggests you consider getting "executive" bifocals. These are bifocals with the top half of the lens focused specifically for the distance you sit from your computer monitor, and the bottom half of the lens focused for reading materials.
There are a number of steps you can take to help avert or lessen eyestrain:
If you work in front of a computer screen or other VDT, take the following additional steps:
Take the following steps to maximize the lighting conditions on and around your computer screen:
If you end the day feeling bleary-eyed, try incorporating some of these tactics into your workday. You may be surprised what a difference such minor adjustments can make.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
http://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Family Physician
http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.eyesite.ca/
References:
Improving visual comfort at a computer workstation. CTD Resource Network, Inc. website. Available at: http://www.tifaq.org/articles/visual_comfort-jan99-jeffrey_anshel.html .
MayoClinic. http://www.mayohealth.org .
Last reviewed January 2008 by Alexander J. Anetakis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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