Computer Vision

Computer Vision in Mt. Pleasant

Computer vision cartoon

Between work, smart phones, and computer games, most people spend a good part of their day squinting at a computer screen. More people are diagnosed with computer vision syndrome every day, and the greatest cause of it is staring at a screen for more than two hours at a time. Even if you've never had any problems with your eyes you may start to feel symptoms of this problem after a long day at work or play. Some of the more common problems are:

  • Eye strain
  • Headaches
  • Dry and scratchy eyes
  • Blurry vision

These problems aren't the inevitable result of working in the 21st century. With the right vision care, you can get rid of your painful computer vision syndrome.

Mt. Pleasant Optometrist Talks Computer Vision Syndrome

Your problems with computer vision depend entirely on your lifestyle connected to all the screens you normally use. The distance you keep from the monitor, any glare that obscures the screen, the length of time you use the computer without a break, and even the placement of your tablet in the room all contribute to the problem. When you come into our office our optometrist, Dr. Papernick, will give you a thorough exam designed to discover just what vision problems you have and the best way to treat them.  He'll test how well you can see, both at a distance and closer (to simulate the distance from a computer monitor), use different lenses to discover which one will give you the optimum eyesight, and test how well your eyes can focus and work together.

For most people, a set of specialty lenses designed to improve their vision at a middle distance can help. Eyes don't change focus as quickly as you age, and this can contribute to problems as early as in your 30's. Once our doctor has determined the best lens prescription for your screen use, he'll address some lifestyle changes you may want to incorporate.

  • Taking breaks during the work day is crucial. Don't stare at a screen for more than two hours at a time. Ideally, you should look away and focus on something else for five minutes out of every hour. Look out a window, read a book, or simply look around the room to give your eyes a break.
  • Adjust the lighting in the room to minimize or eliminate any glare on your computer screen
  • Set up your work station for the best ergonomic results. Get a chair that encourages you to use good posture while you work. Place the monitor about 28 inches in front of your face, and raise it up until the center of the screen is just below your natural eye level. Set up stands behind the screen to hold reference materials, if needed. The idea is to eliminate as much head movement as possible. If you can't move the lighting, invest in an anti-glare shield for your monitor.

Dangers of Blue Light

Blue light is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. Studies show that prolonged exposure to blue light can cause severe long term damage to your eyes. Read our Dangers of Blue Light blog to learn about tips to protect your eyes. In addition, you can download blue filtering apps on most smartphones, including the Android. A great Android app for filtering blue light is called "Twilight," which you can download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux&hl=en. There are also Blue Light Filter screen protectors you can easily find in stores or online. 

Call Your Optometrist Today!

You don't need to suffer through computer vision syndrome symptoms. Call our Mt. Pleasant office to set up an appointment with Dr. Papernick to begin to address the problem at (724) 547-5711.

Click here to learn more about the computer lenses we offer

LOCATION

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed