Americans Concerned about COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME                                                                   Contact us 

A recent telephone survey of 1,020 adults conducted by Opinion Research Corporation in partnership with the American Optometric Association has found that a majority (61%) of Americans are concerned about vision problems caused by prolonged computer use. According to the survey; people feel that CVS is a major vision problem and 64% believe that it will worsen in the future.

Computer Vision Disorder

Is a computer one of the tools necessary for your job? Do you use a computer at home? The answer to both of these questions is probably: YES. Then ask your self; “how often do I encounter any of these symptoms?"

                Dry eyes?

                Focusing difficulty?

                Blurred vision?

                Headaches?

                Sore shoulders?

                Pain in my neck or back?

The Vision Council of America indicates sixty million people suffer from eye problems associated with a computer use. Every year that number rises by an additional million people. These 6 symptoms are estimated to cost American companies and employees 2 billion dollars to diagnose and treat.

If a person is having a visual difficulty associated with computer use; more than likely they will also have some level & form of physical trouble also. The right prescription lenses and appropriate frames will aid the computer user in avoiding computer related difficulties. So it is critical for your prescription lenses to inform your eye doctor how far away from your eyes your monitor is positioned. If you use a bifocal lens be sure to select a frame which has a minimum of 35 millimeters in vertical height (referred to as the B measurement).

Computer use is the most visually intensive and demanding work. People who have visually difficulty seeing the computer will automatically adjust their bodies to focus on the monitor screen. The result of these changes in good posture to see the screen are musculoskeletal problems in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands.

You can reduce the likelihood of visual and physical difficulties by incorporating the following preventive measures:

· Always work with a computer monitor by facing it with your head straight

· A monitor should be approximately 24 – 28 inches away from your eyes

· The top of the monitor should be at approximately eye brow height (for progressive bifocal users; lower the top of monitor to nose level)

· Be sure to sit with your back firmly against the chair back

· Your feet should be flat on the floor

· Paper documents should be on document holder – Not lying flat on the desk

· Position document holder on your visually dominant side

* Keyboard tray and mouse should be on the same plane.

* Upper arms and elbows to be close to body (not extended outward)

* Forearms, wrists, and  hands to be straight and parallel to floor

* Avoid cradling phone between head and neck

* Head and neck to be upright (not bent forward over the work surface)

· Reduce glare

· Use black letters on a light background such as white

· Recommended progressive lenses are Varilux Computer Fatigue lenses, Adapter, Solamax, Access, Shamir and Readable

· Prescription lens material for optimum performance is polycarbonate with anti-reflective coating

To arrange any of our ergonomic services or address any specific questions you may have; please contact our office directly at 708-686-5266

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