H. Frank Storey, OD
Gregory Christiansen, MD

Your Eyes and Computers

When we use Video Display Terminals (VDTs) we must keep the eyes converged and focused for a prolonged period of time, and at times this can cause symptoms. Fortunately, most VDT related vision problems can be alleviated through proper work station planning, good work habits, and adequate professional eye care.

Symptoms???

Patients often complain of headaches, blurred vision, itching, burning and generalized eye strain while using VDTs. As symptoms increase, your productivity decreases. If you have any of these symptoms, you should be seen by an eye doctor.

Computer Glasses

Patients who do a lot of sustained computer work and wear bifocals or trifocals often complain about their neck hurting because they are constantly tipping their head backwards to see through their bifocal/trifocal segment. Computer Glasses can be designed where you look straight ahead without tilting your head backwards. If you wear bifocals or trifocals and have this problem, be sure to let us know.

How to set up your Work Station

When you use your computer, do you experience symptoms like headaches,
eye strain, blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tears or dry
eyes, pain in the eyes or excessive blinking or squinting? That means you
should visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. And,
when you do, be sure to tell the doctor about the computer work that you do.
There are a number of things that you can do to arrange and use the parts of
your workstation to eliminate or minimize discomfort.

Look at this workstation drawing and compare it to your workstation to
make sure that your environment is not causing your vision problems.

Human eyes were made for most efficient use at a distance, but if you use
the suggestions made here and those made by your doctor of optometry,
you will be able to use your computer more comfortably and productively.