COMPUTER EYE STRAIN-EYESTRAIN.COM.AU

WHAT IS COMPUTER EYE STRAIN ? Eye strain is a form of eye discomfort which occurs when you overuse your

eye muscles. Eye Strain from computer screen work we all know is very common, but

there is a whole lot more that we need to think about when we sit down to our daily work or leisure load when using a digital device.

Another commonly used term related to computer eye strain is Computer Vision Syndrome.

Computer Vision Syndrome is the combination of eye strain and body muscle strain that is experienced during or related to computer use.

Computer Eye strain is simple to treat and even avoid, therefore it is a problem that no one should have to endure

STATISTICSHere are some important statistics that can help you better understand

computer Eye Strain : At least 100 million people in the United States use computers in their jobs

every day. It will be similar in Australia proportionally. We are probably talking about 7

million people use computers every day. Around 25% to as much as 93% of computer users exhibit ocular symptoms

associated with computer vision syndrome. Around 22% of computer users suffer musculoskeletal problems that include

carpal tunnel syndrome as well as pain in the back, shoulders and neck. Research shows that 1 out 6 patients who require eye examinations are

suffering from computer-related eye conditions. The cost of eye care examinations and special glasses for computer use is

estimated to be a $2 billion industry.

WHEN YOU EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER EYE STRAIN CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF COMPUTER EYE STRAIN : PERSONAL FACTORS

While prolonged computer use is the main culprit that causes computer vision syndrome, there are other factors that can exacerbate the symptoms you are experiencing. Here are some of them:

Personal Factors Your symptoms such as having blurred vision may be caused by

uncorrected refractive errors like astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness.

When you have a pre-existing dry eye condition, your ophthalmic symptoms of computer vision syndrome may worsen when you use a computer.

If you are middle aged or older, you may be suffering from presbyopia. This condition decreases your near and intermediate visual acuities that you need when using a computer.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF COMPUTER EYE STRAIN : ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Environmental Factors You may be looking at your computer monitor at an erroneous angle

of gaze. You have to adjust the set-up of your desk or your workstation to ensure that you are not straining your eyes and neck, among others, when you use your computer.

The settings in your computer may be too bright for you. You have to adjust these so as not to cause discomfort to your eyes.

You may have poor lighting in your workstation or your computer may be positioned in such a way that it is exposed to too much glare.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER EYE STRAIN

Headaches Blurred or double vision Squinting to see clearly Pain in and around the eyes Dry eyes that feel scratchy/gritty Red, watery eyes Light sensitivity Burning sensation when you close your eyes Aching heaviness of the eyelids or forehead, especially around the

eyebrows Muscle spasms in muscles around eyes Twitching of eyelids Driving and or night vision worse after using computer Halo’s appear around objects on computer screen Need to stop work frequently to rest eyes

Headache

WHY CHOOSE US? Managing computer related problems is a complex process. At The

Eye Practice half the people we see every day have computer related eye issues.

Our experience in this area allows us to not only evaluate the factors that contribute to your problem, but more importantly create customized solutions that will suit your lifestyle and type of work.

Optometrists at The Eye Practice – Dr Jim Kokkinakis and Dr Nerida Wu are highly experienced and strive to give patients the highest quality eyecare

Book an appointment ONLINE by CLICKING HERE or call us on (02) 9290 1899.