Eye Care

Advances in technology have forced us to use our eyes in ways we previously never have, causing eye strain. Perhaps the greatest culprit in technology-related eye strain is the computer. Millions of peoples  spend all day at a computer in order to fulfill their job responsibilities. Those fortunate enough to work at a job that doesn’t require constant viewing of a computer monitor often spend hours in front of one on evenings and weekends. Video games and television provide further strain on our eyes.

This has led to a condition called computer vision syndrome, which over time will cause deterioration of your vision. Some common symptoms of computer vision syndrome include:

    Headaches
    Blurry vision
    Double vision
    Eye fatigue
    Problems focusing
    Neck, back and shoulder pain

Glasses are not Always the Answer

While glasses or contact lenses will help you alleviate many of the issues experienced as a result of your deteriorating vision, they do not address the cause of your problem. If your vision problems are being caused by technology-related eye strain, then over time, your prescription will simply get stronger. In order to help prevent further damage caused by eye strain, you will need to strengthen the muscles in your eyes.

Your eyes are constantly moving. Whenever you shift your focus from objects that are close by to objects that are far away (or vice versa), your eyes either contract or expand their shape to more effectively filter light for your visual task. These movements are governed by the muscles in your eyes.

This process is made more complicated by the fact that your eyes work independently of each other. Therefore, if your eyes have different levels of refractive errors, the muscles involved in helping you focus your vision will experience additional strain. As with any muscle, regular exercise will help prevent the strain that causes deterioration of functioning.

Basic Eye Exercises

The following exercises will help your eye muscles combat the strain experienced by prolonged exposure to computers:

• Always follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your computer and focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  
  

• Hold reading material very close to your face for awhile. Then, focus on an object at least 10 feet away. Shift your focus back and forth between the two, gradually increasing the length of time focusing on each.

• Hold your finger 10 inches from your face and slowly draw it towards your eyes. When the image of your finger doubles, start slowly moving it away again. Repeat this until you are able to bring your finger almost to your nose without it blurring. Varying the starting point of your finger – up and down, right and left – will help ensure that you work all of the muscles in your eye.

If you would like professional help for your eye strain and computer vision syndrome problems, please contact an eye doctor in your area today.