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High-Tech Health Syndrome
Our ancestors roamed the Serengeti with their sights set on the horizon. We sit at desks all day staring at a computer screen. The result for many: computer fatigue syndrome. It causes eyestrain, dizziness, headaches, low energy, and neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Remember the Three Rs
Working or playing on the computer for more than 3 hours a day increases your odds of the condition. So remember the three Rs: Readjust (your screen, that is -- so your eyes look down); refocus (your eyes -- on something far away, once in a while); and remove (your whole body -- from your workstation, now and then). And, what the heck, blink once in a while, too, to help keep your eyes moist.

Computer Eye Syndrome

Myths:

Computers do not harm your eyes.

Facts:

Computers are the number 1 cause of eyestrain in the United States. Also see Ocular Migraine.

Overview:

According to OSHA on November 19, 1999, "Computer vision syndrome (CVS), defined as a complex of eye and vision problems that are experienced during and related to computer use, is a repetitive strain disorder that appears to be growing rapidly, with some studies estimating that 90 percent of the 70 million U.S. workers using computers for more than 3 hours per day experience it (CVS) in some form."

The use of computers in the United States and the world is growing exponentially. The amount of time one spends looking at a computer screen is also increasing similarly. Humans evolved biologically as “hunters and gatherers”. Our vision developed primarily for seeing distance (98% of all humans are born farsighted). Our eye muscle systems are in their most relaxed state when we use our vision for distance objects and space. In similar fashion, our bodies were designed for movement. Maintaining a sitting posture for long periods of time is unnatural for us.

As a result, working at a computer for a long period of time without breaks can cause unnatural strain on us that can result in a condition called “computer fatigue syndrome”. Computer users have shown to have a reduced average blinking time while using computers, which, according to Japanese investigators, causes a major risk of developing transient, or short-term dry eyes.

Over a period of time, excessive computer use can have cumulative negative effects on the user including the worsening of farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye-focusing disorders and poor eye coordination. In addition, constant working from a set position can cause neck and shoulder stiffness, as well as stress headaches, which can then cause pain in the jaw (referred to TMJ or temporomandibular joint).

Symptoms:

• Eyestrain Blurred vision Dizziness or nausea Headaches Red, dry or burning eyes Increase in nearsightedness Change in color perception Slow refocusing Excessive fatigue Neck, shoulder and back pain
• Eye-teaming problems and/or occasional double vision

Causes:

• Extending short distance focusing Reduced average blinking time Poor lighting Poor Posture
• Excessive glare

Conventional Treatment:

• Aspirin
• Stronger glasses

Complementary Treatment and Recommended Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs & Other Nutritional Products

Helpful: VIVA-Drops (10ml - .33 oz. bottle) - VIVA-Eyedrops is the only ophthalmic lubricant for dry eyes without preservatives, mercury compounds or anticholinergics

Helpful: MSM Eyedrops 1 oz (30ml) - MSM eyedrops permit better eye health

Helpful: Pure Focus - Pure Focus is a liquid based formula absorbed subingually (under the tongue) for vision health.

Helpful: Exercise Your Eyes Total Vision Workout System - The Exercise Your Eyes Total Vision Workout System is the first electronic vision trainer that is patented, and clinically proven to improve overall visual performance in less than 10 minutes a day.

Helpful: Yoga for the Eyes DVD - Yoga for the Eyes DVD

Helpful: NanoGreens 10 (360 gm) 12.7 oz - NanoGreens 10 (360 gm) 12.7 oz - organic green drink.

There are a number of simple things you can do to help protect your vision when using computers, including the following:

• Do eye exercises and acupressure massage points every hour on the computer - for free eye exercise e-booklet click click here Set up your computer correctly. The proper viewing distance is 20-24 inches. The correct viewing angle is 10 to 20 degrees from the midscreen to the top of the screen. Use a good monitor. Usually the higher the resolution (the more pixels) the better. Monochrome displays usually have better resolution than color. For color monitors, look for smaller dots per inch (less than .28mm). Higher refresh rates (flicker speeds) are preferred, at least 70 Hz. Make sure the monitor has a high enough illumination to match the surroundings (be aware that antireflection screens reduce illumination). Use proper posture. This includes a tucked in chin, slight curve at the neck rather than a forward head and neck, a straight upper back with only a slight roundedness, and hallow in the low back. Make sure overall illumination of the room is no more than three times brighter than the screen Adjust screen brightness and contrast properly. Use a desk lamp if possible instead of an overhead light. Control glare from overhead lights and uncurtained windows. Use an anti-glare screen, or move your terminal to an area of limited glare. Keep your wrists relatively straight while typing to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome. Wrist support pads can be very helpful.
• If you work in a cubicle, try to give it a feeling of more expansiveness by, for example, placing a mirror on one of the walls to create the illusion of more space.

See related studies

[note from Scylnx: the original article is in sans-serif Arial; countless studies have shown sans-serif fonts are harder to read than serif fonts]