Keeping sight of things

The computer - for all its great advantages - is also becoming a creator of many problems. The most common issue is to do with the eye. Our eyes are very delicate and are easily prone to infection. Staring at computer screens for too long - as most of us invariably do these days - can cause great strain and other accompanying problems. Though computers have no known harmful effects on the eye, computer users often complain of eye related symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, fatigue, dry eyes, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms are called as Computer Vision Syndrome - CVS. These symptoms however are not caused by the computer screen itself but rather by the conditions surrounding the computer screen, such as poor lighting or improper placement of computer equipment and computer furniture. In some cases, a pre-existing eye problem may be the cause. While working on the computer or watching TV, our concentration is more focussed and many a times we forget to blink our eyes. “The normal blink rate is 12 times per minute but computer users usually blink five times per minute. The longer our eye is open, it is more likely for the cornea to dehydrate, burn or ache,” says Dr Davis J Akkara, Westend Eye Hospital. The sitting position and the computer screen’s height is also an important aspect that should be taken care of. “The monitor should be atleast kept 30 degrees below the line of sight,” says Dr Davis. By keeping the monitor like this the sclera and cornea exposed to air reduces. This also reduces the evaporation of tear.To prevent eye irritation sitting directly before AC should also be avoided. People can also use plain glasses to avoid the direct air. “The brightness and contrast of the computer screen should  be adjusted and the computer should always be placed in a well-lit room which reduces the strain,” says Dr K C Joseph, Government Hospital, Thrissur. The increase in eye problems is because of the increase in the visual requirement. Even the smallest refractive errors are identified by people and they associate it with eyes, says Dr Joseph. As in this new technological-driven era one cannot reduce the usage of computers. However they can follow certain remedial measures to avoid eye problems.