FINE EYEWEAR & Eye Care Library » Computer Vision Syndrome

Reading On Smartphones May Strain Eyes

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:23:10 +0000

HealthDay (7/21, Gardner) reports that, according to a study published in Optometry and Vision Science, “people reading text messages or browsing the Internet on their smartphones tend to hold the devices closer than they would a book or newspaper.” Some suggest increasing font size on smartphones, e-readers, and using “Verdana 12-point font, the only font designed specifically for computers.

Comparison of Symptoms After Viewing Text on a Computer Screen Versus Hardcopy

admin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:33:51 +0000

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a complex of eye and vision problems experienced during or related to computer use. Ocular symptoms may include asthenopia, accommodative and vergence difficulties and dry eye. CVS occurs in up to 90% of computer workers, and given the almost universal use of these devices, it is important to identify whether these symptoms are specific to computer operation, or are simply a manifestation of performing a sustained near-vision task.

This study compared ocular symptoms immediately following a sustained near task. A total of 30 young, visually normal subjects read text aloud either from a desktop computer screen or a printed hardcopy page at a viewing distance of 50 cm for a continuous 20 min period. Identical text was used in the two sessions, which was matched for size and contrast. Target viewing angle and luminance were similar for the two conditions. Immediately following completion of the reading task, subjects completed a written questionnaire asking about their level of ocular discomfort during the task.

When comparing the computer and hardcopy conditions, significant differences in median symptom scores were reported with regard to blurred vision during the task and the mean symptom score. In both cases, symptoms were higher during computer use.

Symptoms following sustained computer use were significantly worse than those reported after hard copy fixation under similar viewing conditions. A better understanding of the physiology underlying CVS is critical to allow more accurate diagnosis and treatment. This will allow practitioners to optimize visual comfort and efficiency during computer operation.

SOURCE: Chu C, Rosenfield M, Portello JK, et al. A comparison of symptoms after viewing text on a computer screen and hardcopy. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011;31(1):29–32.

If you’re experiencing computer vision issues, its quite possible you don’t have the proper lenses required for the task. If you spend 5 or more hours a day at the computer, or 2 or more hours of intense, staring at the screen you may need lenses specifically designed for such intense computer work – F.E.

Computer Lenses, designed specifically for intense computer work are available at Fine Eyewear. Fine Eyewear & Eyecare is a full service eye care facility specializing high quality lenses. Our eye care facility is staffed by eye doctors who care about your computer vision requirements. We’re located in the Heb shopping center at Parmer and 1431, located at the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX. A few of the neighborhoods that surround us are Teravista, Avery Ranch, Lakeline Ranch, Davis Springs, The Ranch at Brushy Creek, Stone Canyon, Mayfield Ranch, Vista Oaks, Wood Glen, Forest Oaks and many others!

Inexpensive Reading Glasses Leave Wearers With Blurred Vision

admin — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:22:39 +0000

The UK’s Daily Mail (10/28, Poulter) reports that inexpensive reading glasses that can be purchased in supermarkets “may leave wearers with eye strain headaches, or even blurred or double vision.” After “a researcher at consumer champion Which? checked 14 pairs from seven high street chains,” he discovered “problems with half of them, with those carrying a higher prescription — +3.5 to +4 — considered to cause the most concern.” Specifically, “the biggest problem is that the centre point of the two lenses might not be aligned.” The article points out that it is best for people who need reading glasses to undergo an eye examination to get the right prescription and to check eye health.

Note: another common problem, in many cases, each eye has a different prescription, but drug store lenses always have the same prescription for both eyes. These cheap glasses do not correct for astigmatism either. They also do not have anti-glare properties – glare can further increase strain on the eye. Anti-glare treatment also allows more light to enter the lens, allowing you to see better in low light situations. Not to mention, drug store glasses simply are not very becoming! – F.E.

Nearly One-Third Of Patients May Suffer From Digital Device-Related Vision Problems

admin — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:56:34 +0000

The Orange County Register (10/26, Haas) reported, “Smartphones and similar devices might cause vision concerns,” Dr. Roger Phelps, spokesman for VSP Vision Care, explained. In fact, “according to recent research with VSP eye doctors, 33 percent” of respondents “reported that nearly one-third or more of their patients suffer from digital device-related vision problems. The most common include eye strain (82 percent), dry or irritated eyes (74 percent), fatigue (70 percent) and headaches (61 percent).” Dr. Phelps recommended that people using such devices take frequent breaks, get computer vision glasses, and undergo regular eye examinations.

Computer Glasses

fineeyewear — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:36:48 +0000

For people “staring at a computer screen all day…glare is everywhere,” contributing to computer vision syndrome. “There are about 175 million people in the workplace using computers, and about 80 percent of those people notice problems” with eye strain. Glasses are available to reduce computer glare. They have specially coated lenses made to reduce eye strain. It’s just more relaxing on their eyes, allowing them to “work longer, and be more productive,”

Be sure to ask your doctor about computer vision glasses if you work in front of a computer all day.

Computer Vision eye glasses lens are available at Fine Eyewear & Eye care, located the three corners of Cedar Park, Austin and Round Rock, TX and a short drive from Georgetown, TX. Our address is 2800 E. Whitestone Blvd Suite 210 Cedar Park, TX 78613. See main website for contact information. www.FineEyewear.Net

AOA estimates 125 million Americans may suffer from computer-vision syndrome.

fineeyewear — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:48:52 +0000

In continuing coverage from a previous edition of First Look, the San Diego Union-Tribune (8/17, Somers) reported that, according to the American Optometric Association, “An estimated 125 million Americans suffer from what is now commonly referred to as…computer-vision syndrome.” Optometrist Jeffrey Anschel, O.D., pointed out that while “[t]he eye focuses on the hard edge of an image,…digital images don’t have a clean edge.” Therefore, “the focus drifts forward and back, causing eye fatigue.” In addition, when “people spend long periods focusing on something close to their face,” the muscles of the eye tend “to lock into that one position, which is tiring, and can push the eye down the path to becoming farsighted.” At the same time, “[t]here’s also glare from the light shining into the eyes.” In addition, “the angle of view for the computer screen, which is straight ahead, isn’t desirable. People tend to focus better at objects when looking down,” Dr. Anschel explained.

Several manufacturers are now “launching a line of computer lensthat aim to prevent the dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches that can be caused by” computer use

AOA estimates 125 million Americans may suffer from computer-vision syndrome.

fineeyewear — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:44:19 +0000

Several manufacturers are now “launching a line of computer lensthat aim to prevent the dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches that can be caused by” computer use