HEALTH Don’t risk ‘square eyes’

Don’t risk ‘square eyes’


Health
Clodagh McGovern

We all spend increasingly more time in front of that little (or large) computer screen – not just for work but also in our leisure time. The result? Our eyes are doing overtime concentrating on a task – usually 50 to 70 centimetres away.  
To see clearly at these distances requires an unconscious effort – in fact, several different muscles are needed when the eye adjusts to focus on a near point. There is evidence that VDU (visual display unit) users complain of eye strain more than non-users.
Common eye-strain complaints can include headaches, blurred vision, tired eyes, heavy eyelids, slow refocusing and difficulty seeing distant objects clearly after prolonged time in front of a VDU.  
So, what can you do if you think you may be suffering from VDU eye strain? Most importantly, you should ensure your work furniture (desk and chair, particularly), screen settings and lighting are properly set. This is something your employer, or if you work for yourself, a health and safety guide can provide you with.
Unsurprisingly, it’s also hugely important that you are wearing an up-to-date prescription lens or spectacles – as an outdated can really strain your eyes. Not wearing your prescription products can do even more harm.  
A simple way to avoid eye strain is to ensure you take regular breaks from your computer and limit long periods of unnecessary usage. Employers should also be aware that under EC Health & Safety Legislation, they must take adequate steps to ensure ergonomic and VDU requirements for their employees are met.

Clodagh McGovern is an optometrist, and proprietor of Eye World Opticians based in Westport.