The Problem - Eye Strain

 

The information revolution that has swept the world means people are spending more time on computers at work, in schools, and at home - 3 million Australian households now own PCs.

A side effect of this trend is a worrying increase in the incidence of people suffering eye strain problems.

 

By staring at a computer screen for extended periods, we force our eye muscles to converge and remain static in a strenuously acute angle.

 

Eye strain are symptoms of stress from spending long hours in front of a terminal, such as;

  • Burning, sore eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Tired eyes

Computer screen glare, inadequate room lighting and poor ergonomics are all known to contribute to eyestrain. The convergence of our eyes however is the main factor why we have computer-induced eyestrain.

Try this simple experiment to experience eye convergence now:
  1. Hold a pencil upright 15cms in front of your eyes. Focus on the pencil for approximately 10 seconds.
  2. You should then experience a cross-eye sensation which is convergence of your eye muscles.

 

The muscles around our eyes are relaxed when we are looking at objects far away. When viewing near objects such as a computer screen, they have to regularly contract inwards to focus effectively. This is known as convergence, and over a prolonged period is very tiring to the eye muscles, leading to fatigue and other eye strain symptoms.