Computer vision syndrome (CSV) and dry eye is a common problem in this period of time when computers are being used by a great many people on a daily basis for extended periods of time, we can experience a variety of problems related to computer vision syndrome, although there is no hard evidence that computers can damage eyes, they can contribute to symptoms such as dry eye, eye strain, focusing difficulties, red eyes, neck pain and blurred vision. Although these symptoms are not caused by the screen itself they are more related to the ways in how we sit and focus on the screen and ergonomics.
Functions of the eyes
Our eyes are designed to blink on the average of 18 times a minute, this action wipes away debris from the surface and maintains healthy functioning of the eye. Many of us whilst sitting at our computers may only blink up to six times a minute, this can irritate the eye and cause a condition called dry eye. Our eyes are designed to focus 20 feet or 6 metres ahead of us. Looking at a computer screen less than a metre from of us uses a different set of internal eye muscles which can result in eye strain.
A great majority of people with dry eye problems are often diagnosed with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or Blepharitis. The meibomian glands are located near our eye lashes and provide some of the lipid secretions that make up part of our tear film.
Some of the causes of (CSV) and (MGD)
- Sitting your shoulders hunched and head thrown forward for long periods of time, although this is not a reason for (CSV) or (MGD), proper blood flow to the brain can be reduced
- Staring at the computer without blinking for extended periods
- Sitting too close to the screen
- Chair and computer desk inappropriately positioned
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has recommended some steps to help reduce Computer vision syndrome
- Every 20 minutes focus on an object or view which is at least 20 feet (6 metres) away from you
- Take regular breaks from your computer, get up and walk around for a couple of minutes
- Sit at a comfortable position from the computer and positi8on the screen so that your eyes look slightly downwards
- Place a reminder on your computer screen to remind yourself to blink often
computer vision syndrome
To Relieve symptoms of (CSV) or dry eye problems
- Artificial tear drops which lubricate the eyes, relieving some of the discomfort
- Use a warm compress to massage the eyelids for about two minutes twice a day, heat from the compress allows the sticky oily secretions from the glands to melt slightly, and can relieve the blockage, after the warm compress use a wet cotton bud to scrub the eyelashes to remove any oil secretions that the glands have released, try to do this twice a day for at least a month to see improvements
- Add an Omega-3 supplement to your diet, this has proven helpful to those with dry eye symptoms, make sure you use a good quality omega-3
- Many diets today include an excess of Omega 6, this limits the effectiveness of omega-3 in helping dry eye and (MGD). The ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is 1:4. At least 500mg of Omega-3 is recommended by the American Dietetic Association.
Foods that contain Omega-3
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Catfish
- Indian mackerel
- Spanish mackerel
- Canned tuna
Foods that contain Omega 6
- Vegetable oils such as sunflower, Corn oil, Rapeseed oil, Sunflower oil
- Eggs
- Cereals and whole grain breads
- Poultry
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| This clear, accessible book combines detailed medical information with expert treatment advice for the estimated twenty million Americans who suffer from dry eye syndrome. Dr. Steven L. Maskin, an ophthalmologist who has been caring for dry eye patients for more than fifteen years, explains exactly what the syndrome is, why it occurs, and how it can best be managed and treated. He dispels the misunderstandings that surround dry eye syndrome and presents an easy-to-understand guide that may be read cover-to-cover or dipped into for specific topics of interest. Dr. Maskin begins with an overview of dry eye syndrome, then explains the myriad ways it can develop (allergies, aging, contact-lens use, LASIK surgery, diabetes, and various other diseases). He discusses how it can be successfully diagnosed and treated, offers guidelines for choosing a doctor and appropriate medications, and describes useful home remedies. In a concise final chapter, the doctor provides welcome answers to frequently asked questions. For patients who want to understand their disease and to participate actively in its management, this book is an essential reference. |
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| Refresh Plus Eye Drops does more than just soothe and relieve dry and irritated eyes. It also provides long-lasting moisturizing protection in a formula that contains many of the same healthy qualities as natural tears. Refresh Plus is preservative-free for sensitive eyes, and can be used as often as needed to provide 24-hour comfort. If your eyes are severely dry then you should use drops that are preservative free because they can sting and become more irritated from preservatives, that is what always happened with me. If your eyes are irritated that can cause tears and your tears can dry out your eyes even more(I know that sounds wrong but it is true)Also, if you read most eye drops or ask your eye Dr, you are only supposed to use certain eye drops a certain number of times per day. Most of the eye drops I had been using I could use and less than 30 minutes later my eyes would be dry/irritated again. The Refresh Plus my eye Dr said that I could use them as many times a day as I wanted to and that right after Lasik they would help my eyes heal. |
Maureen,
Just wanted to give you an update…
due to your advice and suggestions.
I’ve been blinking more
It is truly eye-opening (pun intended) how much better my eyes feel toward the end of the day!
I’ve been recommending this to my clients – and others – as well.
If something works, pay it forward!
Thank you and PLEASE continue to keep up the very helpful work you do!
Wayne Nelson
Redmond Reflexology
Maureen,
I now have a sticky note pasted to the bottom of my computer monitor that says, “Blink!”
And, it’s working – thanks!
Wayne
I wear contact lenses and I’m in front of my computer screen for a few hours a day. I do take an Omega 3-6-9 supplement, which I know is good for me and my eyes, but I still experience eye strain.
As a reflexologist, I have a little trick I use that I know helps and would like to share.
Because reflexology is based on the theory that our bodies are mapped on our hands, feet and ears, we can affect our eyes through our nervous systems by applying some rather simple reflexology techniques.
Simply apply pressure to the palms of both your hands (for each eye) between your index and second fingers and at the base of your fingers.
This area corresponds to the eyes and can bring balance and relief to them.
Hope this information is helpful – thanks for a great post and timely reminder to take care of my eyes!
Wayne Nelson
Redmond Reflexology
Good suggestion, I do this quite often, but also one of the reasons many people suffer computer related eye strain is because we don’t blink enough whilst looking at our computers, learning to be conscious of how often we blink can help computer related eye strain tremendously.