05/14/2002

By Jean Enersen, KING 5 News

SEATTLE – Does this look like you? Day after day at the computer screen?

“I just thought I was overworked,” said Heidi Daniels.

Instead she has computer vision syndrome.

KING More than 70 percent of all computer users complain of eyestrain.

Many of us already wear glasses for other vision problems, so why not specialty lenses for computer use? Then again wouldn't inexpensive reading glasses work just as well?

"They're usually built so that you see this way – down below, which means to see the screen you have to look this way and that will definitely get you in the neck,” described Cohn.

He is seeing more and more cases of computer related eyestrain.

Resource Links

Eliminating Computer Eyestrain

Now he can test for it with a new device that mimics a computer screen.

Unlike the printed page, the letters don't have sharply defined edges so the eye has to keep focusing and re-focusing. That leads to eyestrain.

Glasses are only part of the solution.

"I advocate every 15 to 30 minutes that they look out a window or down a hallway as far as the eye can see to prevent some fatiguing effects, but also to stabilize their vision,” he said.

Other tips from the American Optometric Association to avoid eyestrain:

Blink more.

Adjust your workstation to avoid glare.

Keep the monitor at arm's length.

Clean your screen often.

Take frequent breaks.

Surveys show that upwards of 70 percent of computer users complain of eyestrain.