Is sitting too close to the computer making you blind?
Categories: Diet & Weight Loss
Unless you belong to a small subset of people who can develop myopia, or nearsightedness, from doing "close work" or work that takes place 40cm or less from the eye, you're unlikely to damage your vision sitting in front of the computer.
The problem, however, is that eye experts aren't yet able to tell exactly who will develop myopia, and even if you're not one of them, you can develop eye strain from staring at your computer. To understand better why our eyes don't like the glaring brightness of a computer screen, take a look at this article from Scientific American. Then follow these steps to protect your eyes:
The problem, however, is that eye experts aren't yet able to tell exactly who will develop myopia, and even if you're not one of them, you can develop eye strain from staring at your computer. To understand better why our eyes don't like the glaring brightness of a computer screen, take a look at this article from Scientific American. Then follow these steps to protect your eyes:
- Invest in a non-glare computer screen.
- Adjust the brightness, contrast, and text size until you can read comfortably.
- Adjust your screen so that the top of your monitor is level with your eyebrows.
- Eliminate glaring peripheral lights. To find out what these are, put your hand on your forehead and shade your eyes. Turn off the lights that you blocked out with your hand.
- Take regular breaks (which is also a great time to stretch).
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nikkicookers 11-26-2007 @ 2:40PM
I'm somewhat nervous just as i sit here staring at the computer screen in order to read this article. I'm kind of freaking out. I work at a computer all day long. And when I go home I'm usually browsing Facebook, MySpace, or FitConnect in my free time. Are there any protective glasses you can wear that reduce any risk?
nikki
nikkicookers@aol.com
http://www.fitconnect.com
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Kelly 11-27-2007 @ 2:16PM
hi Nikki. I don't know if you wear glasses or contacts, but years ago when I had to get my glasses replaced (I'm nearsighted, but most of the time I wear contacts), I went to LensCrafters, and they told me that the glasses they had for me - the lenses wear made special (sorry I can't remember how) and that they would cut down on glare, and actually help me if I had to stare at a computer all day. I can tell a difference if I wear my glasses. Maybe you could call and ask? Or check online?
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