DOES YOUR COMPUTER WILL LEAVE YOU BLIND

Although carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the best-known occupational diseases, the Computer Vision Syndrome is by far the most prevalent

When you were a child, your mother always said, "Do not sit close to the TV or you'll go blind." But now, almost everyone who works spends all day staring at a screen at a distance certainly no mother would approve.

Will all the hours spent staring at your monitor have a harmful effect on your vision? Recent studies show that your mother may know little technology, but much more than you think about your well being. The eye strain during computer use has been associated with an increased risk of glaucoma.

The human visual system is complex and surprisingly adaptable. It can change the focus to see near and far objects. It can switch to see on light and darkness conditions. However, despite this complexity, the human eye simply do not deal very well with excessive computer use.

"Our eyes are happiest when used for a variety of tasks using a variety of focal lengths with a variety of light sources aligned properly. The use of the computer does not fit this description," says ophthalmologist Virgilio Centurion (CRM-SP 13,454), director of the IMO, Institute of Eye Diseases.

The strain on the eyes during computer use comes from various sources. The first refers to a typical constant distance of computer users. Two sets of muscles work together to see the screen clearly. A set eyes converge to the same point. The other set is effectively a push to properly focus the light rays from the computer to the retina.

"As with any muscle in the body, continuous flexing can create problems of repetitive stress. Do you ever feel your vision is blurred when you look away from the screen? This feeling can be a spasm of the ciliary muscles locked, causing a temporary loss of distance vision. Other symptoms associated with this visual effort may include blurred vision, focus correctly on the screen of disability or even a headache, "says ophthalmologist Eduardo de Lucca (CRM-SP 70 723), which also includes the medical staff of the IMO.
After a long time using the computer, you feel that your eyes are irritated or "scratched"? The relatively normal blink rate of a human being is 12-15 flashes per minute, but computer users tend to blink much less frequently, more typically about 4-5 flashes per minute. How come?

"When we are working at the computer, eyes usually bounce around the screen in a pattern called the 'balcony'. Stops flashing this pattern and reduces the productivity of someone who is focused on an intense visual task, especially when there is a deadline for project delivery. Blink less can increase your productivity, but it can become a toll for your eyes. The sensation of dry eyes is a common symptom of dry eyes. The reduced blink rate does not spread effectively tears, "said the doctor.

Another reason why your eyes suffer at the computer relates to the quality of the light emitted from the screen. "In simpler terms, it is as if you are looking for a lamp for hours. Not to mention the fact that the LCD screens of today are almost all lit with fluorescent light, which is merciless with his eyes," says Eduardo Lucca.

In an effort to reduce the amount of energy consumed, manufacturers use very narrow bands of the visible spectrum to illuminate the screen. This combined with the fluorescent light, own offices, is far from the type of light eyes like to see.

"In an effort to improve the quality of light, often computer users place the machine near windows or other sources of more natural light. However, inadequate lighting can cause problems due to the brightness of the screen, causing the constriction of the pupil, which makes it more difficult to see the screen, "explains ophthalmologist Eduardo de Lucca.

How eyestrain affect normal vision, side effects could occur as well. "Walk around the office and notice how many people are bent toward the computer to better see the screen. With poor ergonomic posture is easy to see how computer vision problems can cause pain in the head, neck and back," says the doctor.


Computer vision syndrome

To simplify the diagnosis, all these symptoms are usually grouped under the same name: Computer Vision Syndrome. Although carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the best-known occupational diseases, the Computer Vision Syndrome is by far the most prevalent, affecting about 150-200 million Americans or 90% of computer users who work more than three hours a day on the computer. We do not have similar data to those in Brazil.

Not surprisingly, the problems with Computer Vision Syndrome are classified by OSHA (US body similar to the Ministry of Labour) as the complaint number 1 on the list of diseases of complaints related to work. The The National Eye Institute recently announced data showing an increase of 66% in the prevalence of myopia in the 25 years since the advent of the personal computer creation.

It seems, his mother has every right to complain and make warnings in relation to the screen ... But is that the computer can actually leave you blind? This is a reflection that you should do.

The good news is that there are a number of ways to prevent or lessen eyestrain for computer use. Many are quick and cost-effective solutions to treat certain parts of the problem. For example, reorganize the workplace, review the correct posture, the viewing angle and the lighting are measures that can help.

"Make sure that your computer is far enough away so you can see the screen comfortably. Ideally, the screen center should be about 7-10 inches below your horizontal line of sight. Preventive measure is necessary to program a series breaks during the workday. smaller must occur every 10 minutes and can be short, lasting 10-20 seconds. at least once every hour, take a longer break, including standing and stretching . An ophthalmologist may recommend exercises for specific eye for these larger breaks to help further relax the eye muscles, "says Eduardo de Lucca.

Several commercial solutions are also available to help alleviate the Computer Vision Syndrome. Glare protectors are a good solution for older monitors and some newer screens have a glossy surface. "Reflections on the computer screen can create postures the brightness prevents you from seeing the screen directly. Software and applications are also available to help users remember to take breaks, blink more often or even change the screen color to fit the light of different times of day, "says the doctor.

Specific glasses for computer use also help relieve many of the unpleasant symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome. Today, ophthalmologists can make adjustments to the prescription to make the most appropriate glasses for computer use. There are also companies that already sell glasses specifically designed to reduce eye fatigue caused by the computer.

"Whatever solution you take to help your eyes, the first step is awareness of the problem. Today, we need to realize that vision problems related to information technology will continue to increase at record levels, as people spend more and more time in front of a screen. And if you work using a regular computer, you should do eye exams regularly. An annual visit to an ophthalmologist will ensure that all problems can be diagnosed before they become serious problems too,