New-Generation Contact Lenses Can Lessen Common Problems of Soft Contact Lenses
Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses Can Alleviate Some Common Problems of Soft Contact Lens Wear, Study Shows.
While nearly 88 percent of all computer users will develop Computer Vision Syndrome at some time in their lives according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, a new nationwide study of Americans' attitudes and experiences with vision care reveals that contact lens wearers are more likely than non-wearers to experience at least one of the symptoms often associated with the disorder. Now, new research demonstrates that the use of new-generation silicone- hydrogel lenses (senofilcon-A) can alleviate some
of these problems.
Nearly half (45 percent) of computer users report they at least sometimes experience dry or tired eyes during or after using a computer, but contact lens wearers are significantly more likely than non-wearers (57 percent vs. 43 percent) to describe these symptoms.
The unique characteristics and high visual demands of computer work make many individuals, particularly contact lens wearers, susceptible to the development of eye and vision-related problems, explains Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, a practicing optometrist and author of Visual Ergonomics in the workplace.
Research shows that while using a computer, we blink about three times less than normally. These long non-blinking phases can cause the surface of most contact lenses to dry out, which can lead to extreme discomfort and a loss of visual clarity.
Environmental Factors
Environmental Factors Can Affect Eye Stress and Strain While uncorrected or under-corrected vision problems can affect visual performance and comfort, eye stress and strain may also be caused by poor environmental conditions, such as glare, improper workstation set up, dirty screens, poor lighting and viewing angles, according to Dr. Anshel.
Dr. Anshel offers the following advice to help prevent or reduce the
development of vision-related problems:
REDUCE GLARE - Extraneous light, or glare, is the greatest source of
eyestrain for computer users. No matter where your computer is relative
to a window, adjustable shades, curtains or blinds should be used to
effectively control light levels throughout the day. Avoid facing an
un-shaded window since the difference in brightness between the screen
and the area behind it may be cause eye stress and discomfort.
Consider using an anti-glare screen to reduce reflections.
ADJUST YOUR MONITOR - Ideal monitor placement is dependent on several
factors including an individual's physical make-up and visual
capabilities, work tasks, and other workstation design elements. For
maximum eye comfort, Dr. Anshel recommends placing the center of the
screen five to nine inches below your horizontal line of sight. You
should be looking just over the top of the monitor in your straight-
ahead gaze.
TAKE A BREAK - Our eyes were not made to see at a close distance for
hours at a time without a break.
A preventive approach to reducing visual stress includes occasionally looking away
from the screen of your computer. Dr. Anshel recommends the 20/20/20
rule. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes. Focus your eyes on
points at least 20 feet from your terminal. Keep your eyes moving while
looking at objects at various distances.
CONSULT YOUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL - For individuals whose jobs may
require extensive time in front of a monitor, Dr. Anshel suggests a
comprehensive eye examination soon after beginning computer work and
periodically thereafter.
For additional tips, take the "Eye Q's and Views" interactive quiz at
http://www.computerquiz.jnjvision.com.
SOURCE Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Filed under Cataract Surgery, Dry Eyes, Eye Treatment
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January 18th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
That’s a really interesting fact that we blink less then usual at the computer. I use the computer for more than 8 hours a day but I have never had any problems with my eyes. Perhaps I blink more than most people do.