<i>Get protected from computer vision syndrome</i>

Computers have now become an important part of our daily life. We sit in front of it day and night for many reasons. But continuous exposure to fluctuating ray can decrease our eye's accommodation power and may lead to a number of visual problems collectively called Computer Vision Syndrome (also called CVS). Many of us are suffering from this syndrome without noticing any problem. Eye specialists predict that it may widespread and may emerge as one of the commonest eye problems.
Computer Vision Syndrome is a relatively new medically defined ailment, and it is on the rise as the number of people using computer is increasing gradually.
This syndrome leaves people vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eye strain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue. These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor workstation configuration and improper work habits.
Pre-existing, uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities, and age-related eye issues also contribute to computer vision syndrome.
Some people feel pain as a symptom of computer vision syndrome. Some they have experienced eye strain, and others have cited neck or back pain after prolonged computer or handheld device use.
Many of these symptoms are temporary and will improve after ceasing computer work. However, some individuals may continue to experience visual problems, such as blurred distance vision, even after computer work has stopped. If the causes of the problem are not addressed, the symptoms will recur, and perhaps worsen, with future computer use.
Working at a computer requires a great deal of eye movement and eye focusing. When we look in the distance, our eyes are relatively relaxed and at rest. But while doing near work, such as reading your computer screen, muscles in your eyes have to work harder to keep a clean near focus. These muscles get tired after extended use; resulting in variable visual problems.
Dry eyes can also occur because we tend to blink less as we concentrate on our computer screen and keep our eyes wide open when working at the computer, resulting in drying up of the tear film.
Tips to alleviate symptoms
Computer users can follow these guidelines to prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome:
One of the most common problems in workstation set-up is that the monitor of the computer is placed too high. The top of the screen should be at eye level. This is because the ideal gaze angle is 10 to 20 degrees below the eye. A screen that is too high can lead to dry, irritated eyes because it forces you to constantly keep your eyes wide open and blink less frequently. A screen that is too high can also cause headaches and neck and upper back pain because the head is tilted back to see.
Use a document holder placed next to your computer screen. It should be close enough so you do not have to swing your head back and forth or constantly change your eye focus.
Change your lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. Glare filters over your computer screen can also help.
Staying hydrated is important, because insufficient water intake can worsen irritated, dry eyes. Computer work can be very engrossing and you may forget to get something to drink. Or you may not feel you have the time to get up.
Concentrate on blinking whenever you begin to sense symptoms of dry or irritated eyes.
Take frequent breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rules. This simply means every 20 minutes, look away beyond 20 feet and blink 20 times.
Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. A smaller light can be substituted for a bright overhead light or a dimmer switch can be installed to give flexible control of room lighting. Turn three-way bulbs to the lowest setting.
Have your vision checked regularly. Eye experts recommended comprehensive eye exams every two years before the age of 60 and yearly above 60. Vision and eye health can change rapidly and frequently, particularly as one ages. Therefore, having one's vision examined on a regular, timely basis is important to maintaining overall health and for preventive reasons.