Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a problem suffered by many people who spend hours together in front of a computer screen. The need to concentrate for a long period while using the computer has led to various eye related problems like - dryness in cornea, weakness, strain and sore in eyes, blurred vision, red eyes and sometimes eye ulcer too with headaches, neck, shoulder or back pain and much more, causing physical tiredness and decreasing the work efficiency.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Ophthalmic Surgeon Dr. K.L. Narayana Murthy of Murthy Eye Hospital said that "Sitting position in front of the computer is very much important. Make sure the monitor should be placed below eye level and tilt the screen perpendicularly to a distance of 30 degree, with a comfortable sitting position and arms should be parallel to the floor of keyboard when you type, and your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footstool, keeping your back straight and your shoulders back with a right support and comfort" (See Picture).
"Dry eye is a major symptom in the CVS, as the glare of the computer enters the retina, causing eye-related problems. Proper rest to the eye and its muscles are needed to relieve eye from strain, but most of them catch up their sleep while traveling and ignore the eye health because of the financial gains. The important thing is to keep the eye moist."
"The normal blink rate of human eye is 18-20 times per minute but while focusing on computer screen, one's blinking rate is reduced to 5-6 times per minute which is harmful. The reduce in blinking rate up to an extent of 60-70 per cent will give rise to cornea dryness, irritation, itching, blurred symptoms etc." added Dr. Narayana Murthy.
He also said that CVS problems are found more in professionals working in IT-related fields for more than 12 to 14 hours a day without any break. They will experience more vision syndrome problems, strain, tiredness in the eyes and muscles.
Most of the parents complain that their children play games in the computer for a long time and that's reason they get headache, itching and irritation in eyes. According to Dr. Murthy, there is no harm to the eyes if we sit in front of computer for a long time with a proper position and a regular break.
Everyone will not have a vision problem; one who is already having an error in the eyesi-ght may be affected more than a normal person.
Use potted plants in AC room: "If we sit in an air-conditioned room, after sometime, dryness in air increases, decreasing the moisture level. To increase the moisture level in AC room, potted plants can be used. If there is a significant increase in eye dryness, consult a doctor and use artificial tears or eye drops which may be used during the day", he added.
"Many people think that using carrot, tomatoes, peppers, eggs, green leafy vegetables, fruits and vegetables containing beta carotene, mangoes and peaches will increase the eyesight level, but they are used for 'Vitamin A' deficiency which causes night blindness", says Dr. Murthy.
Some suggestions to computer users:
According to Dr. Murthy, the best ways to get over the vision syndrome problem are:
* Blinking often with a frequent break for 20-25 minutes.
* Focusing on far away objects from the computer for a period of 8-10 seconds.
* Closing eyes for a minute and relaxing.
* Not viewing the computer screen from closer distance.
* Positioning the computer screen (30 degree) far from eyes.
* Adjusting the chair for the correct height.
* Wearing computer glasses (bifocals or progressive lenses).
* Getting regular checkups.
* Proper lighting also reduce eye related problems.
* Neck should be downwards as shown in the picture.
[Wednesday 2nd July 2008]