If you work on a computer all day, you probably notice how tired your eyes can end up feeling. Many of us suffer from CVS (not the pharmacy) – Computer Vision Syndrome. If you are experiencing eye strain, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches then this could very well be the case.
We have developed a list of tips you can consider for at least some computer vision relief:
- Make An Appointment To See Us: The first step to preventing Computer Vision Syndrome is an eye exam. It is an important way to keep track of your eye health, where we check for multiple eye issues, including glaucoma, cataracts, refractive error and CVS. Let us know if you’re a heavy computer or mobile user – this is important for our recommendations!
- Blink! This might sound so simple, but blink! A lot of us when we are concentrating have a tendency to blink a lot less. Blinking is so important as it keeps our eyes moist and prevents conditions such as dry eye. Have a good blink whenever you remember. This works for driving too!
- With 2020 coming along, use the 20/20/20 rule: Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes and focus your vision on something else that is 20 feet away. This helps exercise your eye muscles, and gives you an excuse to take a break from that spreadsheet you’ve been working on since last week that was due… last week.
- Take Breaks: As well as the 20/20/20 rule, just taking breaks in general and removing yourself from the situation can be beneficial to your eye health.
- Invest in Blue Light Protective Computer Lenses: As an optician I can’t stress how important and simple this one is. We can provide you with filters which block out harmful blue light from the computer screen. This has been found to help with fatigue, and is amazingly effective at reducing glare.
- Maybe you need a computer prescription: Our eye doctors will be able to prescribe you glasses specifically for use at the computer. If you are presbyopic (i.e. your vision for reading has become worse with age, and you are over 40!) you might find this applies to you. Our computers are typically further away from our eyes than handheld devices, so often need a different prescription to what you use to view your books, phones, or things within arms reach.
- Re-position Your Monitor: According to the AOA, most people find it easier to view a computer screen at a downward angle. The AOA recommends that the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
- Look At Your Lighting Sources: Make sure to position your computer screen away from overhead fluorescent lights in order to avoid glare. You can also prevent glare from outdoor light by using curtains. You can also use floor lamps instead of overhead lighting in order to reduce glare.
Let us know if this helps you by leaving us a comment below, or share your own recommendations on what has helped you!
Author
David Greening, ABOC, BS(HONS) Ophth. Dispensing
David is a licensed optician, and has been in optics since 2002. He attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing in Kent, England (2014). He has extensive experience, having managed his own practice for many years prior to arriving at Astorino & Associates Eye Center. He is a licensed American optician (ABOC) and is well-recognized for his quality of service, attention to detail, and patient care. He left our practice January 2024.
