Computer Vision

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

 Dry Eye & Extensive Use of Computers

The extensive use of computers have thrown up a plethora of eye problems The causes of these problems are:

  • The frequent picture changes along with excessive light reflection from the colour monitor causes eyestrain.
  • The excessive near work results in fatigue of eye muscles and heaviness in the eyes.
  • Due to continuous viewing of the monitor, blinking is reduced resulting in dry eyes,with burning sensation and gritty feeling in the eyes.

SOME DO’S AND DON’TS FOR COMPUTER USERS:

  • Anti reflection coating on eye glasses and on the monitor helps.
  • Always use the right prescription glasses-even if low powered while working on computers.
  • Computer to be at eye level.
  • Frequent blinking is necessary.
  • After working for an hour or so-just close your eyes for 5 minutes or look at a distant object to relax your eye muscles.

DRY EYE

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems. Dry Eye is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes.

Treatment of dry eye syndrome is highly specific to each patient. Artificial tears are a very common treatment that has proven to be effective for many patients. More viscous drops last longer on the corneal surface.

Preservative-free tears are recommended because they are the most soothing and have fewer additives that could potentially irritate.

Closing the opening of the tear drain in the eyelid with special inserts called punctal plugs (punctual occlusion) is another option.

THE USUAL SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE INCLUDE:

  • Stinging or burning eyes.
  • Scratchiness
  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
  • Eye irritation from smoke or wind
  • Excess tearing
  • Difficulty in wearing contact lenses
  • Photophobia (light sensitivity)

Excess tearing from dry eye sounds illogical, but if the tears responsible for maintenance lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated. The lacrimal gland produces a large volume of tears which overwhelms the tear drainage system. These excess tears then overflow from the eye.