Every organization uses computers. Due to long hours on the computer, 50-90 percent of computer users are prone to computer vision syndrome (CVS). It usually develops after more than two hours of work on the computer and disappears on discontinuing work for a few hours.

Eyestrain, headache, blurred distance or near vision, dry or red eyes, neck and backache, double vision, and light sensitivity.

13 steps to preventing Computer Vision Syndrome:

1. Use indirect lighting and eliminate exterior light and reflections by closing drapes or blinds.
2. Use of TFT monitors reduces eyestrain.
3. Maintain a distance of 20-30 inches between the eyes and the computer.
4. Monitor should be about six to eight inches below eye level.
5. Use a font size of 12-14.
6. Take a break every 20 minutes and look outside your window or at a distant object for 20 seconds.
7. Adjust your workstation and chair to the correct height. Purchase ergonomic furniture to ensure adequate distance from the screen, and good posture.
8. Match the computer screen to the brightness of the environment.
9. Install an anti-glare screen to minimize reflections on the screen. Reduce the internal ambient light if necessary.
10. Use glasses with an anti-reflective coating.
11. Blink at least 15 times per minute while working on the computer.
12. Keep the pixel size as low as possible and flicker rate as high as possible on your computer.
13. Avoid sitting directly under the fan or near the air conditioner to prevent eyes from becoming dry.

Some Simple Eye Exercises:

• Take a sharpened pencil and hold it at an arm’s distance. Focus your eyes at the tip of the pencil and slowly bring it towards your eye. When you start seeing it double, repeat the exercise.

• Take two printouts. Both should have the same number of rows and columns with alphabets. One of them should have a font size of say about 28 points, and the other 12 points. Keep the one with the smaller print in your hand and the other one should be hung on the wall about 15 feet away. Read one row from the smaller print and then a column from the larger print or vice-versa.

Both these eye exercises should be done for 10 minutes everyday. If you are wearing glasses, you should do the exercises without removing your spectacles.
Do follow all the tips suggested above as they have been given by specialists in cataract and refractive surgery and protect your eyes.

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[By Dr Chirag Sheth, D.O, D.O.M.S, Vitreoretinal Fellow (Birmingham)]

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