Computer Eye Strain | EYE COMFORT TIPS
To avoid eye strain, at what size should your computer display text? According to computer vision syndrome expert Dr. James Sheedy, it should be three times the smallest size that you can read from your normal viewing position.
The best color combination for your eyes is black text on a white background, though other dark-on-light combinations also work well.
Consider our Kobrin & Martin Colorimetry Services for professionals who work longs hours on spreadsheets
The Kobrin & Martin Colorimetry test is best suited for people who work for long hours on computers using spreadsheets and MS Word. White as the default background colour is not always the best for our eyes. Colorimetry is an individualised test to assess which colour is the best suited for your eyes. The test results are provided so that you may adjust your computer’s colour settings to best suit your individual need.
We run a series of tests to find out exactly which colour best suits your eyes for getting the least stress possible while working on your computer. Once completed we give you a ‘personalised’ colour reading that you enter on your computer’s colour settings. Ask Kobrin & Martin’s optometrist Edna Martin for moire details
Computers project strong light directly into your eyes and you can suffer from ‘pattern glare’ or ‘visual stress’. Your eyes may tire quickly and you could experience one or more of the following symptoms.
If you use Windows 7, you can adjust text size and color by going to the Start menu, opening the Control Panel and choosing Display. Here you can also adjust your screen’s resolution and brightness, for best visual comfort.
You can adjust text size when using Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and other browsers, too. For example, in Firefox, you can enlarge an entire webpage by using the keyboard command Ctrl + as many times as you want, while Ctrl 0 makes everything normal-sized again. (Ctrl – makes everything smaller.) To enlarge only the text, use Alt V, then Z, then T. Then use Ctrl + again, and you’ll see just the text enlarging.
Each browser and email program has different commands for adjusting text size, so look through the menus to learn what they are. Or visit Google and search for how-tos there.
Many smartphones let you adjust text size. For example, on the iPhone, you simply open the Settings menu, then choose General, then Accessibility, then Large Text. Here you can choose a new font size for core applications such as Mail, Notes and Calendar. The font will also display in certain third-party applications.
Whatever type of digital screen you’re using, you’ll enjoy it more if you make the effort to adjust the view for your visual comfort. Don’t know how? Check the manufacturer’s website or look it up on Google
Very important: Always make sure you discuss and make decisions about your eye care based upon a formal appointment with your optician.
For more information please call us or visit
KOBRIN & MARTIN OPTOMETRISTS, SANDTON
Tel: 011 884 8413 | kobrinmartin@telkomsa.net
