How about if you are (or were) reading it on an iPhone or
Blackberry? There is no doubt that intensive staring at computer screens, let
alone tiny screens like those on the iPhone or Blacberry, is not exactly good
for your eyes.
How about if you are
(or were) reading it on an iPhone or Blackberry? There is no doubt that
intensive staring at computer screens, let alone tiny screens like those on the
iPhone or Blacberry, is not exactly good for your eyes. But what to do about
it? I got a very interesting email from a reader who is pretty serious about
this topic. And the advice is very good, so I am going ahead and passing it on
to you.
iPhones, Blackberries
and other small screen gadgets like the Kindle may be giving you Computer Vision
Syndrome (or CVS)! Anyone who spends two or more uninterrupted hours per day in
front of a computer screen – regardless of size – is prone to CVS. And with the
hours most of us log on these gadgets tapping out emails and surfing the web,
175 million Americans are reportedly feeling the pain!
The American
Optometric Association defines CVS as “the complex of eye and vision problems
related to near work, which are experienced during or related to computer use.”
In simple terms, the human vision system was not designed for long hours of
computer viewing. Unlike typical print, PDA screens are made up of
electronically generated characters called pixels - tiny dots of light that are
hard for our eyes to focus on because it causes the brightness in the font to
vary. As a result, more and more Americans are suffering from CVS symptoms that
range from neck aches and headaches, to dry, irritated eyes, and blurred or
double vision.
“While these small and
highly productive devices may make us more efficient work-wise, they are
causing unprecedented levels of CVS symptoms in patients of all ages — we’ve
seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients we see monthly for CVS,”
said Dr. Harvey Moscot, a renowned Optometrist in New York City and a CVS
specialist who is presently conducting a CVS study to evaluate the
effectiveness of specialized lenses for the reduction of CVS symptoms.
So can you live
without your PDA? Probably not! But there is hope — Dr. Moscot prescribes a few
simple measures to help those of you who are tethered to your iPhones and
Blackberries see a little easier:
·If the PDA screen
makes you squint, don’t bring it closer to your eyes. Sharpen the image with
antiglare films or increase the font. Reducing glare or increasing font can
make the overall reading experience much easier on your eyes.
·The Omega 3’s in flaxseed and fish oil supplements are excellent for achieving
long-term lubrication for your eyes. Add them to your must-take supplement
list. Dr. Moscot recommends a pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement and at
least 1,000mgs every day, it’s specially formulated to relieve dry eye
symptoms.
·Get a CVS-specific
eye examination that enables doctors to accurately diagnose CVS by duplicating
the pixels of a computer screen, allowing doctors to determine a more accurate
prescription based on exam results and the way you use your PDA each day. After
the test, doctors are able to prescribe eyewear with special computer lenses
that eliminate the need for you to constantly refocus your eyes, which reduces
eyestrain. After all, when you go running you bring your running shoes. When
you sit in front of the computer you should have your computer glasses.
·Follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take a break and with each eye look
at something about 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds.
·Lighting is key! If
you have a choice in the matter, make sure outside windows are neither directly
behind nor ahead of you. Ambient overhead light is best.
·Remember to blink.
People blink 5 times less while looking at the computer, blinking helps rewet
the eyes and prevent dryness and irritation.
·Clean your screen.
While this may sound obvious, cutting out the veiling glare caused by
fingerprints, smearing, dust and other particles obstruct your view will help
alleviate symptoms.