Computer Vision Syndrome can affect people who use computers daily at work or home. It may include symptoms such as dry eye, light sensitivity, fatigue, eyestrain, neck pain, or backache.
“Working at a computer requires a great deal of eye movement and focusing” says Dr. Kent Daum. The constant refocusing can stress the eye muscle and can have a marked impact on the user’s productivity and comfort levels. In 2007, 41% of Americans reported eyestrain after using a computer, and 45% reported neck pain – and with the prevalence of smartphones, tablets, and laptops, those numbers have doubtless gone up.
Olympia optometrist Dr. Douglas Jeske suggests the following to reduce eye symptoms when using the computer:
Have your vision checked regularly
Practice the 20/20 rule when using the computer – Look away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes
Check the arrangement of your workstation – The center of your computer screen should be about 4 inches below eye level and 20-28 inches away from your eyes.
Reduce glare on your screen and lower the lights in the room.
Contact our downtown Olympia eye care clinic to schedule a comprehensive eye exam or to get answers to your questions about computer-related vision problems. Dr. Jeske is an optometrist serving the Olympia and Tumwater communities.