Myths:

Computers do not harm your eyes.

Facts:

Computers are the number 1 cause of eyestrain in the United States. Also see Ocular Migraine.

Overview:

According to OSHA on November 19, 1999, "Computer vision syndrome (CVS), defined as a complex of eye and vision problems that are experienced during and related to computer use, is a repetitive strain disorder that appears to be growing rapidly, with some studies estimating that 90 percent of the 70 million U.S. workers using computers for more than 3 hours per day experience it (CVS) in some form."

The use of computers in the United States and the world is growing exponentially. The amount of time one spends looking at a computer screen is also increasing similarly. Humans evolved biologically as “hunters and gatherers? Our vision developed primarily for seeing distance (98% of all humans are born farsighted). Our eye muscle systems are in their most relaxed state when we use our vision for distance objects and space. In similar fashion, our bodies were designed for movement. Maintaining a sitting posture for long periods of time is unnatural for us.

As a result, working at a computer for a long period of time without breaks can cause unnatural strain on us that can result in a condition called “computer fatigue syndrome? Computer users have shown to have a reduced average blinking time while using computers, which, according to Japanese investigators, causes a major risk of developing transient, or short-term dry eyes.

Over a period of time, excessive computer use can have cumulative negative effects on the user including the worsening of farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye-focusing disorders and poor eye coordination. In addition, constant working from a set position can cause neck and shoulder stiffness, as well as stress headaches, which can then cause pain in the jaw (referred to TMJ or temporomandibular joint).

Symptoms:

• Eyestrain
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or nausea
• Headaches
• Red, dry or burning eyes
• Increase in nearsightedness
• Change in color perception
• Slow refocusing
• Excessive fatigue
• Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Eye-teaming problems and/or occasional double vision

Causes:

• Extending short distance focusing
• Reduced average blinking time
• Poor lighting
• Poor Posture
• Excessive glare

Conventional Treatment:

• Aspirin
• Stronger glasses

Complementary Treatment:

The following products are listed in order of priority:

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222). For free eye exercise e-booklet click to help reduce Computer Eye Fatigue click here

Helpful: Similisan #3 Homeopathic Eyedrops incorporate Similisan's unique "Active Response Formula" that quickly stimulates the eye's natural ability to relieve eye strain due to intense computer work, TV, reading, writing, or driving at night. No sting or worries about rebound or contraindications. Cost is $12 per bottle.

Helpful: VIVA-Drops from Advanced Pharmaceuticals. Adds vitamin A directly to your eyes. Cost to you is $12 per bottle.
Essential: Pure Focus offered through Nutritional Focus, is in liquid form and contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine and small levels of vitamin E to support absorption. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the retina. Vinpocetine improves the utilization of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina. Cost to patient is $28 per month for the first 2 months ($24 per month on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1 pump 5 times per day under the tongue for the first two months, then 1 pump 3 times per day under the tongue thereafter.
Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)

Helpful: Eye Exercise Tapes for individuals who are near or farsighted. The exercises on these tapes done regularly can help protect against the typical worsening of vision and even in some cases reduce the current prescription. Cost is $12 per tape.
Helpful: Bio-Greens is an excellent, natural dietary powdered formula containing organic grasses, blue-green and sea algae, herbs and other nutrients. The link between maintaining healthy vision and a healthy diet which specifically includes 3-5 servings of vegetables a day has been established. For those individuals who do not meet this daily requirement, this is an excellent formula for providing essential nutrients and enzymes needed by the body for proper functioning. Cost is $28n per bottle.
Helpful: One Plus Vitamin Mineral: Excellent vitamin and mineral formula with digestive enzymes and green food. Cost is $32 per bottle for 1 month supply (or $30 per bottle on automatic delivery).

Note: If you are having problems with your eyes, get a complete eye examination first to ensure that you using the correct glasses, and that no other conditions exist.

Self Help:

There are a number of simple things you can do to help protect your vision when using computers, including the following:

• Do eye exercises and acupressure massage points every hour on the computer - for free eye exercise e-booklet click click here
• Set up your computer correctly. The proper viewing distance is 20-24 inches. The correct viewing angle is 10 to 20 degrees from the midscreen to the top of the screen.
• Use a good monitor. Usually the higher the resolution (the more pixels) the better. Monochrome displays usually have better resolution than color. For color monitors, look for smaller dots per inch (less than .28mm). Higher refresh rates (flicker speeds) are preferred, at least 70 Hz. Make sure the monitor has a high enough illumination to match the surroundings (be aware that antireflection screens reduce illumination).
• Use proper posture. This includes a tucked in chin, slight curve at the neck rather than a forward head and neck, a straight upper back with only a slight roundedness, and hallow in the low back.
• Make sure overall illumination of the room is no more than three times brighter than the screen
• Adjust screen brightness and contrast properly.
• Use a desk lamp if possible instead of an overhead light.
• Control glare from overhead lights and uncurtained windows. Use an anti-glare screen, or move your terminal to an area of limited glare.
• Keep your wrists relatively straight while typing to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome. Wrist support pads can be very helpful.
• If you work in a cubicle, try to give it a feeling of more expansiveness by, for example, placing a mirror on one of the walls to create the illusion of more space.