Computer use at work and home is growing exponentially. Associated with this increase use are a number of visual and physical symptoms experienced by 50%-90% of all computer users. Computer eyestrain is the #1 office-related health complaint in the U.S.(Harris Poll); 60 million Americans suffer from computer eyestrain(American Optometric Association). If you have experienced fatigue, headache, eye strain, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes and neck or back aches at the computer it is possible that you are suffering just some of the symptoms called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). I can direct you to a great web site that will explain many of the symptoms and possible solutions of computer use in detail in the Links on Vision Health.
Working at a computer is more visually demanding than doing other standard office work such as reading printed documents. Human vision is not designed for staring into a computer screen. Computer images are made up of tiny dots, known as pixels. Since your eye cannot focus on them, you must constantly refocus to keep images sharp. The monitor is constantly being “redrawn”, and this eventually leads to repetitive stress of the eye muscles and fatigue.
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| Image as it appears on paper, magnified |
Image as it appears on a monitor, magnified |
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Bifocals are not helpful at the computer. In fact, the bifocal only increases the problem since the reading portion of the bifocal is designed for a shorter distance than a computer screen and for a much lower visual angle. The tendency to lift the chin up and move closer to the screen just leads to back and neck problems. Progressive lenses (glasses without bifocal lines) have the same shortfalls.
| Incorrect Head Position |
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| Chin Down |
Chin Up |
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If you spend two or more hours working at the computer CVS can be a real problem at home or in the workplace. Savvy employers are beginning to recognize that increase work production can be realized with eyewear designed for computer use. Visit your eye doctor who is ready to help you eliminate the problems of Computer Vision Syndrome. Click here to open the Computer Vision Questionnaire and print this section out. Fill out the areas that pertain to your problems and take the form with you to the doctor. Bring the prescription to Spectacles.com and I will do the rest!
| Correct Position |
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| Natural Head and Neck Position |
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You can benefit from a natural head and neck position with computer glasses or Computer Slip-ins.
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