Eye Care for Computer Users

Computers have become indispensable in work place. Professionals spend more time working at computer workstations. The combination of fixed and constrained body postures, work overload and unsuitable workstations can lead to health problems like aches and pains in the shoulders, forearm, wrist, hand, back & neck pain and eyes strain.

Normal blink rate in human is 16-20 per minute. When this blink rate gets reduced to 6-8 blinks/minute, it results in dry eyes. Near focusing for long hours causes eye strain. Early presbyopia (need for reading glasses) sets in. Other symptoms include headache, eye strain, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, double vision, light sensitivity, neck ache, back aches etc.

The pre disposing factors which mainly cause discomfort are:
1.Work place conditions
2.Working habits
3.Visual conditions
4.Nature of work
5.Length of time spent at computer
6.Reduced blinking rate
7.In co ordination between design of work station and design of glasses.

A Good Chair: Feet should rest on the floor. Angle should be of 90 degrees at the knee. Arm rest is desirable. Back rest must support the area from the upper ridge of the pelvis to the shoulder blades. The curve in the back rest must support the hollow in lower back. An adjustable tilt is desirable.

Lighting – Required illumination on the working surface. Lower level illuminance for general areas. (3:1 ratio)
Eye Care Tips for computer users and professionals~
Monitor should be more than 5 inches from the eyes.
Ideal viewing area is 6 inches below the horizontal eye level.
Work with fonts of darker shades on light background.
Attach an anti-glare screen in front of the monitor.
Use screen mounted document holder at the same plane.
Use suspended lights from ceiling & windows with curtains to avoid light hitting directly on eyes.
Avoid sitting in front of AC or in a room with low humidity.

20-20-20 rule – Take short breaks for your eyes every 20 minutes between your work for 20 seconds and look 20 feet away.
Give proper rest to the eyes – Close your eyes for 20 seconds at least every half an hour.
Correct near vision with glasses.
Use of Anti reflective coating glasses can reduce glare from a monitor.
Contact lens users need to lubricate their eyes frequently.
Lastly working at the computer is not harmful to eyes, but make sure to examine your eyes at least once a year.