Frequently Asked Questions:

• Although there is no evidence that using a computer causes permanent vision problems, it can lead to eyestrain, eye fatique and glare-related headaches that can affect computer users' productivity and leave them feeling tired at the end of the day.

• Dry or irritaed eyes
• Burning, itchy or watery eyes
• fatique, including heaviness of the eyelids or forehead
• difficulty in focusing
• glare-related headaches

• Possibly. Your eyes were designed primarily for use at a distance, so spending long hours looking at a computer screen can be incredibly demanding. Your eyes must focus and refocus on the images to keep them shart, which can cause undue stress to your eye muscles. Plus, when you work on a computer, your eyes bvlink at a less than half their normal rate, which can cause dry, irritated eyes. Some conditions in your workplace, such as excessive reflections off your computer display, poor lighting, improper placement of equipment and supplies and older monitors, may also contribute to the problem. You may be unconsciously adjusting your body position to work around a less-than-perfect environment and squinting to minimize the effects of glare.

• There is no clinical evidence that indicates computers cause long-term vision problems. However, it has been suggested that eyestrain, eye fatique and glare-related headaches may occur as a result of prolonged use of computer monitors in less than optimal conditions. The long-term effects of CVS, according to the American Optometric Association, may include poor performance on the job, lost time and aggravation of existing vision conditions.

Here are 6 tips to reduce computer eyestrain:

1. Eye examination:
   
   Be sure to get an annual eye examination. Let your eye care professional know you work on a computer and for how many hours a day. Don't forget home computer use!
   
2. Take vision breaks and blink frequently.
   
   Take frequent breaks away from your computer and make an effort to blink more frequently throughout the day. Make sure you are not doing other near-vision work during these breaks.
   
3. Decrease monitor glare:
   
   If you can see your reflection in the monitor, you probably have a glare problem. Glare, reflections and overhead lighting will force your eyes to work harder than is typically comfortable.
   
   To decrease excessive monitor glare:
   
   • Add an anti-glare computer filter to your monitor. Make sure it has been tested against International Standards for displays with reflections (ISO9241-7) or has a TUV Q-Mark.
   • Relocate your computer monitor.
   • Use drapes, shades or blinds
   • Adjust room lighting to a comfortable level.
   
   
4. Adjust monitor height:
   Arrange the monitor so that the top of the monitor is at eye level. Placing a monitor too high exposes more of the eye, causing it to dry out. Placing it too low may cause neck aches.