Computer Vision Syndrome

Tips about How to keep your eyes healthy and reduce visual stress:

When working at a computer:

• Provide good lighting. The main light source should be located on the ceiling, and the additional source should directly illuminate the work area, but not shine into the eyes.
• The desktop should be in front of an open space, preferably in front of a window. Sit up straight with the seat (or screen) positioned so that you are looking down at the top of the screen at about 15 degrees. The monitor should be at a distance of about 50-60 cm.
• When working at a computer for more than 2 hours, it is recommended to use special glasses for a computer, which have a coating that protects against the blue spectrum of light from digital devices, which affects not only the retina of the eye, but also disrupts the production of melatonin (a hormone responsible for sleep), leading to insomnia.
• Every 20 minutes when working at close range for a long time, you need to give your eyes a rest, for this you need to look into the distance (at a distance of at least 6 meters) for 20 seconds.
• If "dryness" appears in the eyes, it is necessary to use moisturizing drops, as with increased concentration of attention during work, the number of blinking movements decreases and, as a result, the level of eye moisture decreases.

When watching TV:

• Stay at least 10 feet from the screen, do not sit very close to the screen or be on the floor. You should watch TV in a well-lit room.
• It is necessary to use means of vision correction (glasses or contact lenses) with appropriate correction, selected by a specialist, in case of a decrease in distance vision.

When reading paper publications or working on electronic gadgets:

• Provide proper lighting. The light source should be located to the right or left, or directly above the work area. In terms of brightness, the light should be as close to natural as possible.
• The text should be placed at a distance of about 30-33 centimeters at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees to the table.
• Take a 2 minute break every 30 minutes.
• If your near vision is impaired, you should have reading glasses available from a specialist.
• When reading on gadgets, use a special mode with a blue light filter.

If you have complaints of eye fatigue, pain occurs or the text blurred during prolonged reading, You need to consult your Eye Doctor.

These all details in just for basic information about the diseases. Please consult your doctor before following this by yourself. --- Dr Dhaval Patel (MD, AIIMS Delhi)

- compiled & published by Dr Dhaval Patel MD AIIMS