Computer Vision Syndrome

Do your eyes feel tired or dry by the end of the day?  Are you prone to achy headaches on your forehead or around your eyes?  Does your vision ever seem to go in and out of focus, especially after a long day at work?  Do you work all day on a computer?

Many people assume their tired, dry eyes and blurry vision are an unavoidable consequence of working in today's technology-based workplace.  Computers are notorious for causing numerous vision problems including eyestrain, headaches, blurry vision, double vision, and dry eyes.  Additionally, they are often responsible for neck, shoulder, and back pain, depending on the workstation set-up.  Because of the prevalence of eye-related computer problems, they have been grouped together and given a name: "Computer Vision Syndrome," or "Digital Eye Strain."  And, there IS something that can be done!

An eye exam can identify problems that can predispose a person to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).  Trouble with eye teaming (the ability of the eyes to work together, especially when reading), an underlying Dry Eye Syndrome, and uncorrected refractive errors, namely nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all make time spent looking at a computer screen a very difficult and uncomfortable experience.  Some solutions to CVS include vision training ("eye exercises"), customized glasses or contact lens prescriptions based on your computer workstation set-up, and various treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome.  Check out the chart below to see if you might suffer from CVS.


Computer Vision Syndrome: Common Symptoms

“Tired eyes”	Blurry Vision
Eye burning	Double Vision
Watery Eyes	Headache
Dry Eyes	Frequent blinking
Eyestrain	Neck/shoulder/back ache

Additionally, here are some tips to help minimize any digital eyestrain:


• Follow the "20/20/20 Rule": for every 20 minutes on a digital device, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away (essentially, look out a window or walk away from your computer every 20 minutes.)


• Do not tilt a computer monitor.  Rather, adjust your screen so it is directly in front of your face but slightly below eye level.


• Position yourself or your device so there is sufficient distance between your eyes and the screen.  An arm's length is generally an adequate distance for a desktop computer.


• Adjust the screen brightness.  Consider changing your background color from bright white to cool gray.


• Lessen the amount of overhead and surrounding light competing with your device's screen.  If possible, avoid fluorescent lighting directly overhead.


• Increase text size to allow for greater comfort if needed.


• Remind yourself to blink more often. Staring at a digital screen generally causes people to blink less than they should, which can cause eyes to become dry.


• Parents should limit the amount of screen time for children and encourage them to take breaks (see 20/20/20 Rule above).

A New Look for a New Year

What's new in eyewear trends for 2014?  Oversized frames, bright colors, "mathematical" and "cat-eye" shapes, rose-tinted sunwear, extra detailing, vibrant blues and earthy greens. 

 

But, how does one know what looks good?  Things like face shape, eye and hair color, skin tone, and personality all are important.  Looking for new glasses and sunglasses can be overwhelming, especially when you cannot see, either because you're not wearing your prescription or because you've had dilating drops inserted.  But, have no fear; I'm here to help!

Probably the single most important factor has to do with face size and shape.

People with oblong face shapes, which are much longer than they are wide, look best in frames that are larger. Those with round faces typically want to choose frames that add angles; those which are are structured and slim.  Darker colors and lenses that are wider than they are deep help define a round face.

Square face shapes generally want to avoid glasses with hard lines, as this could make the face appear boxy.  Often, a frame that is wider than the widest part of the face can help to balance the angular features of a square face.

Heart-shaped faces, those with a chin much thinner than their forehead, should opt for shapes that balance the width of their face.  Frames that widen at the bottom are a good choice for heart-shaped faces.  Oval faces can pull off almost any style.  Current trends in choosing square, rectangular or upswept glasses can help balance the curves of an oval face.


A generalization is that juxtapositions work best: the more angular your features, the rounder your glasses should be and vice versa.  Keep in mind that your glasses also speak of your personality.  You may wish to try a bright color to show off you upbeat attitude, or a darker subdued shade for a more mature look.  Rimless options often work well for small faces as they are less obtrusive. 

The possibilities are endless!  Update your wardrobe with eyewear: it's functional AND fashionable.