Computer Vision Syndrome

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Why do we recommend a contact lens exam for any patient thinking about switching to contacts?

To begin, a contact lens exam allows us to conduct a thorough assessment not only of your vision, but of the physical attributes of your eyes as well. After all, not everybody’s eyes are perfectly shaped to wear “traditional” contact lenses comfortably. Many people have eye conditions, such as astigmatism (irregular curvature of the eye lens) that require specialty contact lenses in order to achieve a proper fit. A contact lens exam will help us determine the contact lens type and brand that is best for your unique eye characteristics and lifestyle.

We also offer a wide range of specialty lenses in our office, which makes it easy to assist you in finding the right lens type for just about any condition you may face, including:

• Dry eyes
• Refractive error
• Astigmatism
• Other hard-to-fit contacts

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

The severity and length of computer vision syndrome symptoms depends on a few different factors: how long you stare at the computer, your posture, the lighting, the glare, the angle of the monitor, and whether or not you have other diagnosed or undiagnosed vision problems. If you already suffer from astigmatism, farsightedness, presbyopia, aging eyes, and/or diabetic eye problems, your computer vision symptoms may worsen. This can even be the case if you already have prescription contacts or glasses. Many regular eyeglasses and contact lenses are not designed to deflect the problems caused by computer screens.

Dr. Brady and Dr. Cook will take your symptoms, pre-existing conditions, and potential undiagnosed conditions into account when performing the most up to date eye tests.

From these measurements, Dr. Brady and Dr. Cook can design a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms. For people with otherwise normal eyes and vision, a set of specially-designed glasses used during the time you are working on the computer can be very helpful. For patients already wearing contacts or glasses, new, more computer-friendly prescriptions are available. In addition to these treatment options, there are many things we can suggest to cut down on computer eye strain problems:

COMPUTER SETUP

Adjust your monitor so that it is about 15-20 degrees lower than your eye level when seated between 20-28 inches away from the screen. Reference materials can be placed on a document holder between the monitor and keyboard, or to the side, but positioned for as little head movement as possible. Also invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor to help reduce glare from surrounding lights. Be sure to sit and work with proper posture.

ADJUST LIGHTING

If you can, re-position any lighting (or your computer) to minimize glare and use natural lighting whenever possible.

EYE REST AND BLINKING BREAKS

20/20/20 Rule!

Every 20 minutes during your work, look away toward a distant point of atleast 20 feet for 20 seconds to refocus your eyes, Also, give them a 15-minute break after each 2-hour computer session and remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.

ADJUST PRESCRIPTION

We can prescribe new glasses or contacts specifically geared towards your computer set up and the right amount of blue light filtering, prism, or actucity correction for your needs.

With a combination of the proper optometry care and self-care, you can minimize computer eye syndrome and other modern-day vision problems.