The American Optometric Association (AOA) created National Save Your Vision Month to highlight the importance of maintaining your vision health.  In honor of this national health observance this year, the AOA is shedding light on computer vision syndrome. The AOA advises that Americans who uses computers daily at work or at home could suffer from computer vision syndrome, which can lead to eye problems including dry eye, eyestrain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue.  These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor work station configuration and improper work habits.  Pre-existing, uncorrected vision problems such as astigmatism, farsightedness, and inadequate eye focusing and age-related eye issues also contribute to computer vision syndrome.
 
According to Richard Angrist, MD, Chief of Ophthalmology at Kimball Medical Center, working at a computer can cause stress to the eye.  “The eye has to work harder when reading text off of a computer screen than it does when viewing printed text,” he explains.  “Letters and numbers are not as defined, so the eye really needs to focus harder.  Additionally, there may be a lot of glare on a computer monitor and as a result, it may have many negative long-term effects on your vision.”
 
According to the AOA, Americans should follow these guidelines to prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome:
 
Have your vision checked regularly. Prior to age 61, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by an eye doctor, and annually after that age. 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.
                   
Limit the amount of time you continuously use the computer. Practicing the 20/20 rule (look away from the computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) will minimize the development of eye-focusing problems and eye irritation caused by infrequent blinking.
                   
Check the height and arrangement of the computer. Optometrists suggest more comfortable computer viewing can be achieved when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
                   
Check for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor. When this occurs, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen.

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.
                               
Keep Blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist.
 
“Computer vision syndrome can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination,” says Dr. Angrist.  “If you think you may be suffering with any vision problems, than you need to call and schedule an appointment.”