Too much computer use is bad for your eyes

Some 125 million American employees suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, a condition caused by prolonged computer use, according to Dr. Marty Schneider, therapeutic optometrist.

"March is Eyes Safety in the Workplace Month and as our nation has moved from a manufacturing society to an information society, Computer Vision Syndrome has become a workplace concern," said Schneider. "While prolonged computer use will not damage vision, it can make you uncomfortable and decrease productivity."

Computer Vision Syndrome is caused by the eyes constantly focusing and refocusing on the characters on a computer screen. These characters don't have the contrast or well-defined edges like printed words, and the eyes' focus cannot remain fixed.

"Symptoms of CVS include headaches, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, blurred vision and neck or shoulder pain," said Schneider. "Research has also shown CVS contributes to decreases in the accuracy of work and, as a result, decreases in productivity."

CVS can be partially alleviated by changes in the ergonomics of the work area. "Proper lighting and monitor placement can go a long way toward reducing CVS, as can giving your eyes frequent 'breaks' from the computer," he said. "But the underlying cause of CVS- the ability of the eyes to focus on the computer screen- may only be remedied by specialized computer glasses."

"We can prescribe computer lenses that are designed to improve your vision in the 18inch to 28inch range, the optimal distance between your eyes and the computer monitor," said Schneider.

Schneider practices at Camarillo Vision Center at 2460 E. Las Posas Road, Ste. B, Camarillo. For information, call (805) 987-2400.