When Work Has Dried Up...Your Eyes

If you are one of the 77 million computer users in the United States, chances are you occasionally suffer from tired and burning eyes, dry eyes, headaches, double or blurred vision, color distortion, eye strain or a loss of vision focus. And, if you are one of the millions of people who wear contact lenses, your symptoms can be even worse and more frequent.

What you may not realize is that some of these symptoms of what is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) may be alleviated thanks to recent improvements in contact lens care and eye care.

"When people use computers, their blinking rate slows down dramatically," says Dr. Jenny Smythe of the Pacific University College of Optometry. "Less blinking means less natural tears across the surface of the eyes. This dryness is a contributing factor to CVS."

Dr. Smythe suggests following these tips to protect yourself from developing CVS:

Take a Break

"The easiest thing to do is to simply take a break," says Dr. Smythe. "Prolonged, continual computer use is the single biggest risk factor in developing the symptoms associated with CVS. You should take frequent rests, approximately every 15 to 30 minutes to avoid eyestrain - even if it's just looking away from your computer and focusing on something else in the distance."

Care and Wear Correctly

"Many contact lens wearers assume all contact lens solutions are alike, but recent advances in lens care technology can make a big difference in the comfort of your lenses," says Dr. Smythe. "Not all contact solutions are compatible with every type of lens, so many people who experience dry, uncomfortable eyes may be using the wrong contact lens solution."

Dr. Smythe advises anyone who experiences discomfort while wearing contact lenses, whether they use a computer or not, to speak with their eye care professional.

"Your eye care professional has the latest information on ways to keep your lenses comfortable. I recommend my patients use a new contact lens solution, OPTI-FREE RepleniSH Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution, which is compatible with the new silicone hydrogel lenses and soft contact lenses. Clinical studies have shown that it can enhance comfortable lens wear."

Fix Your Workspace

The American Optometric Association advises workers to keep computer monitors 16 to 30 inches from your eyes and tilted at a 10 to 20 degree angle. The top of the monitor should sit horizontally at eye level. A good anti-glare filter can further reduce the chances of developing CVS.

Adjusting the colors on your monitor can also help sharpen clarity. Larger, dark letters on a light background works best for most computer users and reduces eyestrain.

Lighten Up

Be aware of the lighting in the workspace. Office spaces are often too bright and fluorescent lighting should be avoided when possible. Use desk lamps to help soften the contrast of lighting and monitor brightness.

Visit Your Eye Care Professional

"The most important tip," says Dr. Smythe, "is to visit your eye doctor regularly, especially if you think you're experiencing any of the symptoms related to CVS. Your eye doctor can help you take other necessary steps to eliminate CVS."