Philip Walsh - Impact of regular computer usage on your eyes

Why does eye-strain happen?

Anyone who spends a significant amount of time in front of a computer screen can suffer from eye-strain. This is also sometimes referred to as computer vision syndrome.

You may have heard of repetitive stress injuries associated with carrying out the same task - like typing on a computer keyboard - over and over again. Eye strain is caused in a similar way. Your eyes have to constantly move, focus and re-focus while you work at a computer screen - and without regular breaks, this can put strain on these important muscles.

Additionally, elements including glare and contrast, as well as flickering, make reading and writing on a computer screen more challenging than when you read and write on paper.

Can looking at a computer screen damage my eyes?

While the risk of long-term eye damage caused by looking at a computer screen for a prolonged period is relatively minimal, this does not mean you will not experience discomfort or short-term effects of eye strain.

In addition to feeling tired after looking at a computer screen for too long, you may experience dryness or redness in your eyes, headaches, or even blurred or double vision.

Taking action to prevent these symptoms - and treating them when they occur - can help you work more productively, and in greater comfort.

Take preventative measures to combat eye fatigue

Glasses and contacts can help you read information on a computer screen more clearly, but they cannot be used to compensate for time spent away from your desktop monitor or laptop.

At work, you should ensure you take regular breaks from your screen - get up to make a coffee or cup of tea, go for a quick walk or even have a look out the window.

Additionally, you should ensure that your computer screen is positioned comfortably - just a little bit below eye level is best. A flexible screen and an adjustable desk chair will help you get the right balance.

How can I treat eye-strain caused by computers?

Besides taking preventative measures, if you are experiencing eye-strain caused by computers, an important step is to book an appointment with your optometrist. A quick eye test will ensure you are able to see clearly - and in many cases, the right diagnosis and corrective lenses can help to alleviate the problem.

For more information talk to your local Specsavers optometrist or visit www.specsavers.co.nz.