COMPUTER SCREENS AND YOUR EYES

If your work involves heavy computer use, you may notice eye trouble. You’re not alone—at least 50 percent of those who work in front of a computer report eye issues, but the number may be closer to 90 percent.

You may notice symptoms like:

  • Blurry vision
  • Dry, itchy, or red eyes
  • Double vision
  • Headaches

None of these symptoms are fun, and if they’re severe enough, the quality of your work may suffer. These symptoms are often called computer vision syndrome. Like carpal tunnel syndrome, the condition is caused by repetitive use: your eyes work hard to keep reading on a computer screen, and they get tired.

Just reading from a page for a long time can be hard for your eyes, with all the eye movement and close-up focus the task requires, and computers make the problem worse. The glare, flickers, and screen contrast on a computer screen require even more from your vision.

Additionally, when using computers, many people forget to blink. Usually we blink around 15 to 20 times per minute, but when reading a screen, we often blink only half that amount. All of that staring can dry out your eyes, which contributes to the irritation.

However, rest assured that you are probably not doing your eyes permanent damage. While computer vision syndrome may be unpleasant, if you take some time off from the computer, your eyes will get the rest they need and start feeling better again.

Colorimetry: A great option for professionals who work longs hours on spreadsheets and suffer from visual stress

The 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.

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.

Have your computer tested:

Find out more here: https://www.kobrinmartin.co.za/colorimetry/

Very important: Always make sure you discuss and make decisions about your eye care based upon a formal appointment with your optician or doctor.

For more information please call us or visit

KOBRIN & MARTIN OPTOMETRISTS, SANDTON

Tel: 011 884 8413  |  kobrinmartin@telkomsa.net