Eye Health-Related Issues Concerning Computer Use

Growing Problems...

In 1994 - National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
  • 9 of 10 computer patients reported "eyestrain"
  • 1 of 5 not satisfied with treatment/solution
In 1996 - Journal of the American Optometric Association
  • Of the 70 million who use computers at work daily - 88% experience eye problems
  • 15 million sought eye exams as a result of computer use
  • 40% received specific VDT-related prescriptions
Today
  • Computers sales now exceed TV sales

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
CVS will replace carpal tunnel syndrome as the health computer concern of new millennium.
CVS is defined as:
  • Complex eye and vision problems
  • Associated with near work
  • Involving computer use
Symptoms include:
  • Eye strain Blurred Vision
  • Headaches Back and neck aches
  • No correlation with age (teenagers as well as "boomers")
VDT Assessment evaluates:
  • Work problems (hours, type of work, clean screen)
  • Environment (lighting, walls, desk surface)
  • Display screen (letters, background, monitor height/tilt)
  • Work station (distance to screen, reference material location)
  • Visual symptoms (also glasses/contacts)

Ergonomics (Fit person to job without undue stress/strain)
 
Ergonomic Trends in place:
  • Larger monitors
  • Screen resolution - more contrast/brighter
  • Pre-fabricated work stations more evident
  • Adjustable chairs
 
Concern for 3 or more hours/day computer users
Use the 3B's
Blink (eye blinks 70% less during computer use)
Breathe (regular breathing, occasional deep breath to relax)
Break (20/20/20 Rule)
  • Every 20 minutes
  • For 20 seconds
  • Look 20 feet away

Research Sources
Anshel, J. (1999). The CVS epidemic (Part 1): How you can make computers easier on
the eyes. Review of Optometry, 136 (5), 64-69 (May 15).
Bommarito, P.F. (1999). The CVS epidemic (Part 3): Your role in easing the aches and
pains of computer users. Review of Optometry, 136 (7), 61-4 (July 15).
Davis, R.A. (1997). Computer Vision Syndrome: The eyestrain epidemic. Review of
Optometry, 134 (9), 80-88 (September 15).
Donnenfeld, E. & Thimons, J.J. (1999). The CVS epidemic (Part 2): How to ease the
symptoms of dry eye in computer users. Review of Optometry, 136 (6), 85-92 (June 15).

Additional Resource:
Journal of the American Optometric Association, 67 (9) [The entire September 1996 issue is on the topic of computer related vision and eye problems.]