Anti-reflective coated glasses - check. Computer shield screen - check. Eye drops - check. Using a computer at work isn't as simple as it used to be. Rapidly advancing computer technologies are replacing a vast amount of paperwork in the workplace. But they have begun to wreak havoc on workers exposed to abundant amounts of computer-based work. Optometrists and pharmacists are receiving an increasing number of complaints from patients and customers with vision difficulties most often tagged as 'computer vision syndrome.' One of the primary problems is that the edges of printed letters are more defined and easier to read than letters on computer screens. The edges of letters on computer screens are not as sharp, causing the eye to strain in order to focus, local experts explained. 'Between 50 and 90 percent of computer users will experience some sort of strain or fatigue,' said Dr. Chad Green of Eye Care Associates in Greensburg. Dr. Lou Carrarini of Latrobe Vision Center said that he has seen a progression in nearsightedness. Normally, the vision of nearsighted people stabilizes between the ages of 18 and 20. But Carrarini has seen a growing number of people in their 30s with increasing nearsightedness as a result of people staring longer and harder at computer screens. Problems and irritation can be caused by dryness, work conditions such as lighting and location of overhead vents, posture problems and the work environment in general. Green recommends a good eye exam as the first step in determining the source of eye problems. Pharmacist Andrea Billey agrees. She always recommends that sufferers of eye discomfort seek assistance from their eye doctor. Billey, an employee of Diamond Pharmacy in Mt. Pleasant, said eye problems can derive from not only excessive computer use, but also ultra-violet lighting in the workplace and a number of other conditions. While there is not a cure for computer vision syndrome - other than eliminating computer use altogether - there are options available to get the red out. For dry eyes, Billey recommends using an over-the-counter eye drop, also known as artificial tears, that customers feel will best suit their needs and budget. 'Brand loyalty isn't as important anymore. Customers are looking for more bang for their buck,' she said. Frequently, over-the-counter brands all contain the same ingredients to provide similar relief, according to the pharmacist. Carrarini also recommends that computer users take a 30-second break every 15 to 20 minutes. 'Just look away from the computer for a few seconds and focus on something in the distance to give your eyes a rest,' he said. Other options include: Computer shiled screens. An anti-glare shield for the computer screen is helpful in preventing eyestrain from ultra-violet light. The anti-reflective shields, available from most office supply stores and catalogs, are meant to reduce the glare from overhead lighting hitting computer screens, making work easier on the eyes. Green said to look for products that have been tested by the American Optometric Association. Ultra-violet filters in contacts and glasses. Carrarini said that a growing number of contact lens companies are manufacturing lenses with ultra-violet protection. They are most often prescribed for someone with a cubicle located near a window that generates a lot of reflection on the computer monitor, he said. Glasses with anti-reflective coating are also available to protect against fluorescent lighting. Homeopathic remedies. These remedies are not regulated by the federal government. 'There is no set of standards for these drugs,' Billey said. 'The companies must only prove they are safe to take, not that they are effective.' Similasan, a homeopathic manufacturer based in Sweden, produces products for the eyes, ears, nose and throat. It announced the release of a new eye drop in November 2000 aimed at consumers with computer-related vision problems. Similasan Eye Drops No. 3 for computer eye fatigue are meant to work as a preventative. By increasing the eyes' immunity to fatigue and blurriness, the drops are said to alleviate computer-related vision problems and, eventually, prevent them from occurring. Similasan's eye drops are made with extremely diluted substances that in large amounts would be harmful to the eyes. The key ingredients in Similasan's product include ruta for the prevention of eye spasms and pain/pressure of the eyes; natrium muriaticum to relieve stiff, weak eye muscles and reduce redness and itching; senega for aching eyes and hypersensitivity to light; and conium maculatum to relieve double and blurry vision. 'Homeopathic remedies give the eyes a minute amount of the substance that would normally harm them, but the small dose triggers your body's immune system to fight that substance,' said Susan DeGress, a company spokeswoman. 'People who do a lot of fine work such as jewelers where they have to concentrate on a small area for a long period of time can benefit from this product,' DeGress said. Green said he has used homeopathic drops for some dry eye patients who have suffered irritations from preservatives used in other artificial tears.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)