Computer Vision Syndrome & Screen Vision Assessments
You may have Computer Vision Syndrome if you are working from home and suffering from any of the following symptoms:
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Eyestrain
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Headaches
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Blurred Vision
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Double Vision
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Fatigue
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Lack of concentration
If you have a pre-existing eye condition, suspect you require spectacles but have not been tested or if you are wearing the wrong prescription for computer use you are more likely to have problems associated with Computer Vision Syndrome.
Prolonged concentration on a computer, tablet or smartphone can lead to these symptoms as the demand on the eyes to constantly focus, and refocus, requires a lot of effort from both internal and external eye muscles.
This is worsened by poor screen settings such as low contrast, glare, flicker and blue-light (insert a link here for blue light section - plus link to non-rx blue light specs?). In addition to this, whilst concentrating, our blink rate slows down, leading to dry eyes which will not only cause irritation but blurred and variable vision causing visual fatigue.
If you suspect that you may have Computer Vision Syndrome, we recommend you book yourself in for a Screen Fatigue Assessment. [BOOK HERE]
What checks are included in a Screen Fatigue Assessment?
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Computer appropriate prescription
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Binocular Vision anomalies
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Focusing ability and proficiency
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Basic eye health screening
TOP TIPS FOR VDU USERS
Here are some ways to look after your eyes while using your screen:
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Apply the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. That will give your eye muscles a rest.
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Try to blink regularly. Focusing on a screen may make you blink less, which may make your eyes dry and uncomfortable.
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Position your computer screen so that:
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it is between 40 and 76 centimetres (16 to 30 inches) from your eyes
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the top is level with, or slightly below, your eyes
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it is tilted away from you at a 10- to 20-degree angle
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there are no distracting reflections, e.g. from a window.
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Once you have adjusted your screen, adjust the font size so it’s easy to read.
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Use document holders for reading or reference materials. Place them close to the screen at the same distance from your eyes. This will enable your eyes to remain focused as they move between the screen and the documents.
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Use a character size that is easy to see. The character size is an important factor since it determines the distance at which you prefer to view the monitor.