Some of us need glasses to drive, some to read, some the minute we wake up in the morning; many of us now need them at our computer.  Most of us do not realize it.  Some employers, like the State of Michigan, are well aware of this need and have provided additional insurance for a separate pair of glasses for computer use in addition to an individual’s “regular” glasses.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) affects people of all ages and the symptoms include blurry vision, neck and shoulder pain, eyestrain, headaches, eye irritation including excessive tears or dry eyes, double vision and excessive blinking or squinting.  If you’ve tried to wear your glasses while on the computer to “fix” your vision and found it didn’t help, it is because the prescription for computer distance will be different than your normal prescription.  

Typically, reading glasses are aimed at correcting your vision at 7-10 inches, and prescriptions for distance 10+ feet away. Your computer monitor is typically beyond the 10 inches; in fact, it’s suggested that a “healthy” and most comfortable distance is 20-26 inches away.  The prescription is a calculation that can be determined by your eye doctor when he or she is doing your eye exam. The doctor then prescribes and clearly explains the calculation to the optical assistant to ensure a precise creation of a custom computer lens, which can be fit into most frames.  

There are a number of ways to help use your computer more productively and comfortably:

•    Set your monitor perpendicular to windows and other sources of bright light to reduce glare.

•    If you use an anti-glare screen, look for ones that have received the American Optometric Association Seal of Excellence.

•    Locate your monitor at least 16 inches from your eyes.

•    The top of your monitor should be slightly below a horizontal eye level, and the top should be tilted away from you at a 10-20 degree angle.

•    Adjust the brightness of your monitor to an intensity comfortable to your eyes.

•    Eliminate bright light sources from your peripheral vision.

•    Adjust the contrast between text/characters and the background so they can be easily read.

•    Keep your monitor free of fingerprints and dust.

•    Adjust your chair properly: Your feet should be flat on the floor (or on a slightly angled footrest) with your knees bent close to or greater than 90 degrees; your back should be snug against the seat to fit your spinal contour; your thigh to trunk angle should be 90 degrees or greater; the distance from your chair to the hollow of your knee should be 2-4 inches; your wrist and hand should extend nearly straight from the elbow to the home row of your keyboard.

Final tip: Be sure to discuss your computer use with your eye doctor at your annual exam.

March is Occupational Eye Health and Safety Month, a perfect time to make a few simple changes. Whether you’ve had an eye exam or not in the past year, if you are experiencing the symptoms of CVS, give your eye doctor a call and let him or her know.

		Dr. Knapp owns VisionCare, a private practice in East Lansing, with her partners Drs. Lee Rigel and Cheryl Vincent-Riemer.  VisionCare is known for a diverse selection and offering eyewear specific to a patient’s lifestyle. They do medical eye-care for the whole family and created Vision Choices for employers to offer as an alternative vision benefit.