Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: www.kaliszincolor.com Avoid suffering from dry, irritable eyes.

As you approach the middle of the fourth week of the semester, it is common for you to have spent dozens of hours in front of your laptops or library computers. You've been assigned endless homework where you have to type papers and do other assignments on Blackboard or use other internet sites.

If at any time during your sit in front of the monitor you feel dizzy, get a headache, feel light headed, get blurry vision, or any type of eyestrain, you are most likely suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS).

CVS is caused because the brain is used to reading on papers, particularly in black and white. Computers are filled with color graphics and don't have finite edges causing the brightest point to be at the center as the colors fade towards the edge.

The eyes try to focus on the brightest points but are unable to because of the fading brightness. In turn, the eyes strain and attempt to regain focus leaving you with the symptoms mentioned before.

Other reasons CVS occurs are: improper lighting, glares, and small typefaces.

A simple solution to these issues is to change the lighting in your environment. There shouldn't be bright light coming in from windows or from light bulbs in your room. All lights around the computer should be dim.

The brightness on the computer screen should also match the lighting in your surroundings. Make sure the contrast between the screen and background are even.

Minimize the cause of any glare that may be reflected onto the computer monitor. This means that window blinds and curtains may have to be closed. Try placing the computer next to the window instead of directly in front or to the side of it.

If you are squinting often, change the typeface. You may need to increase the font. It is important to make sure that you are comfortable reading the font that is in front of you.

To avoid dry eyes, blink more often. It is has been proven that people that work with computers daily tend to blink up to five times less than normal. Blinking your eyes rewets them, eliminating any dryness or irritation. You may need to mentally remind yourself to blink as much as possible. You may also want to keep a bottle of eye drops handy.

Also, ensure that the monitor is at eye level. You shouldn't have to bend or raise your neck in order to comfortably see the computer. This also puts a strain on the eyes as it isn't able to look straight ahead at the computer screen.

The best thing to do may be to take frequent breaks, approximately every 15 to 30 minutes. A break merely includes looking at something far away, for example, looking out a window or across the room. The point is to take your focus off of an object located only inches away from you. This leads to the relaxation of your eye muscles.

Don't be too afraid of CVS. There are no harmful rays from computers that will cause damage. All symptoms listed above are temporary.

If problems are worse than what is mentioned, you may need to see a doctor and discuss any and all issues you are experiencing. Your doctor may give you an exam to determine if this is what your eyes are truly suffering from.

If this is the case, you may be prescribed computer glasses. Computer glasses simply work by reducing your eyestrain and giving you a more relaxing vision at your computer. It also helps with eyestrain, glares, and blurry vision.

Try to only use the computer when necessary. If you insist on going onto Myspace or Facebook, or any other unrelated school websites that do not pertain to class work/homework, limit your time to 30 minutes a day or 30 minutes at a time.

If possible, do everything in your power to adjust monitors so you can enjoy a relaxing time at the computer. Even though CVS may not have a negative long lasting effect on your eyes, the short term effect is not a pleasant one.

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