The Facts about Computer Eyestrain

Most people have heard how they can get carpal-tunnel syndrome when working on the computer, but most people don't realize how the computer contributes to eyestrain. Symptoms include: headaches, burning/tired eyes, neck/ shoulder pain, blurred vision, or general fatigue. Does this sound familiar? You don't need to feel so tired at the end of the day!

Nearly 60 million Americans suffer from computer eyestrain. This is because the eyes react differently to computer screens than they do to printed letters. Computer screens create letters out of pixels or dots, which are fuzzy on the edges. Our eyes have trouble keeping the letters clear, constantly refocusing and overworking our eye muscles (see figure 1). This strain on the focusing muscles causes fatigue, generating symptoms such as those mentioned above. It is so common that it has a name: "Computer Vision Syndrome."

Using new technology from the PRIO Corporation, Dr. Murphy can measure how your eyes react to a computer image. The PRIO unit allows Dr. Murphy to generate a prescription for computer glasses. Special glasses for use on a computer can then be made which can eliminate your eyestrain (see figure 2).

If you work on a computer more than two hours a day you should think about getting PRIO glasses. Before your PRIO exam, you will need to measure about how far your eyes are from the computer screen when you are working. Then call for an appointment and bring your measurement with you. It only takes about fifteen minutes to do the test, and once you get your new computer glasses you'll wonder how you got along without them!