Computer users more prone to eye and vision disorders

UK, September 26:Individuals who use computers for significantly longer durations are more likely to have an impaired vision, UK’s leading ophthalmologist Johnny Moore has warned.

As continuous staring at the computer screen reduces the rate at which the eye blinks, computer users are susceptible to problems such as dry eye, conjunctivitis and even blindness.

"A normal person blinks 15 times a minute but, when people are using computers, the blink rate drops to five times a minute," said Moore, a leading eye surgeon and visiting professor at the University of Ulster.

Moreover, poor positioning of computer screens and effective air conditioning further elevate the problem of ‘dry eye’. "Dry eye further predisposes people to more serious infections," Moore highlighted.

"You lose some of your natural anti-bacterial defenses which makes you more likely to catch things such as conjunctivitis and if your dry eye is serious, even more severe infections can become more common such as bacterial keratitisdefine - an infection of the corneadefine - which is sight threatening."

Prevention and control tips:
The posture during work, the duration of each session at work, job profile, ocular health status and recreational habits, all impact one’s vision. Keys points to be considered are:
• The eye-screen distance should be 25 inches or more.
• Position the computer screen about 15-50 degrees below eye level.
• Pause periodically. Rest or pauses help in delaying the onset of eye fatigue.
• The quality of light in the work environment should be adjustable. Natural sunlight is the most comfortable to the eyes.
• The lighting at the workstation should be adjustable as per the user’s height and should not be directed at monitor screen.
• The computer monitor should be placed at right angles to the window to prevent glare.

How to prevent dryness of eyes:
To prevent the problem of dryness of the eyes, the computer user should blink his eyes frequently, purposely and consciously. Take frequent rest pauses. During each rest pause, close your eyes and roll them back behind the closed eyeballs. Alternatively, the eyes may be closed and rolled tightly. Computer users may use artificial tear substitutes to re-wet and lubricate the eyes.

The evaporation of tears can be reduced by;
• Working with downward gaze (by lowering the level of the computer screen). This decreases the exposed area of the eyes and diminishes the evaporation of tears.
• Using spectacles with side panels.
• Avoiding direct airflow in the direction of the eyes.
• Using humidifiers along with air-conditions in the hot and dry climates.
• Drink more water to keep eyes and skin healthy.