For the newbies, the KFB “Know your
health’ column is where we discuss health issues.
Last week we discussed the ban of Malaria pills – Chloroquine and Artesunate (HERE) – this week we shall be discussing ‘Computer Eye Strain’.
We spend most of our time in front of our
computers and laptops. This can cause red eyes, tired eyes, blurred
vision and eye twitching. Symptoms may include strain or asthenopia,
dryness, grittiness, watering, pain, redness in the eyes, inability to
focus, headaches, etc., which may in turn lead to decreased productivity
and absence from work.
computers and laptops. This can cause red eyes, tired eyes, blurred
vision and eye twitching. Symptoms may include strain or asthenopia,
dryness, grittiness, watering, pain, redness in the eyes, inability to
focus, headaches, etc., which may in turn lead to decreased productivity
and absence from work.
So, if you suffer from any of the above mentioned afflictions, try these simple tips to fight computer eye strain.
Comprehensive eye examination:
Comprehensive annual visual assessment with an eye care professional is a
must for all those who spend long working hours at the computer.
Comprehensive annual visual assessment with an eye care professional is a
must for all those who spend long working hours at the computer.
Computer eye wear: Glasses, depending on
your refractive status, will be generally prescribed, especially for
intermediate vision with an anti-reflective coating to minimise the
glare emanating from your computer screen. People who already use
bifocals may be prescribed progressive glasses for better intermediate
vision.
your refractive status, will be generally prescribed, especially for
intermediate vision with an anti-reflective coating to minimise the
glare emanating from your computer screen. People who already use
bifocals may be prescribed progressive glasses for better intermediate
vision.
Voluntary blinking: People tend to
involuntarily blink less due to constant staring at the screen, leading
to evaporation of tears, which causes dryness in the eyes. Training your
eyes to voluntarily blink while at work helps in natural production and
spread of tear film and minimise dryness. Artificial tears or
lubricants are also sometimes prescribed for dryness by eye care
professionals.
involuntarily blink less due to constant staring at the screen, leading
to evaporation of tears, which causes dryness in the eyes. Training your
eyes to voluntarily blink while at work helps in natural production and
spread of tear film and minimise dryness. Artificial tears or
lubricants are also sometimes prescribed for dryness by eye care
professionals.
Frequent breaks: Taking frequent breaks
while at work helps in reducing the risk of fatigue caused by computer
vision syndrome. Every half hour that one spends at the system, a
30-second break is all that is required.
while at work helps in reducing the risk of fatigue caused by computer
vision syndrome. Every half hour that one spends at the system, a
30-second break is all that is required.
Eye exercises: Constant
staring at the display screen puts a strain on the muscles of the eye.
Exercising the eye will help to avoid such muscle fatigue. These include
looking up and down, sideways about 10 times each, looking at the
farthest object that you are able to visualise from your seat for 10
seconds and gazing at your finger placed 30cm from your eyes for another
10 seconds. This helps in your focusing ability at variable distances.
staring at the display screen puts a strain on the muscles of the eye.
Exercising the eye will help to avoid such muscle fatigue. These include
looking up and down, sideways about 10 times each, looking at the
farthest object that you are able to visualise from your seat for 10
seconds and gazing at your finger placed 30cm from your eyes for another
10 seconds. This helps in your focusing ability at variable distances.
Ok guys, join us for another health talk next Tuesday….xoxo, kfbers rock!