Computer vision syndrome

I have thought for years that all our time in front of screens cannot be good for our eyes. Here's a bit more about the potential problem and what you can do for your eyes' health.

Nearly 150 million people in the United States work on a computer every day, and it is estimated that close to 90 percent of them experience computer eyestrain. While mass computer expansion at home and in the office has provided a big boost to global communications, computers have and will continue to take a toll on our eyesight. In fact, occupational health experts agree that the source of today’s top vision complaint in the workplace is the computer monitor.

The following suggestions may help:

1. Greater hertz or frequency of the monitor’s screen will reduce the flicker in the screen. In addition, the higher the pixel count of the monitor’s screen, the better the resolution, resulting in enhanced reliability. Resolutions of at least 110 pixels per inch are recommended.
2. Glare from lights reflecting off the screen will lower the contrast, thus forcing the eyes to work harder. A glare-reduction filter can reduce this potential problem significantly. One bearing an American Optometric Association seal of approval is recommended.
3. Adjustable work stations allowing for appropriate placement of the computer screen at angles 10 degrees to 20 degrees (slightly below eye level) are most comfortable. Also, a monitor on a base that swivels will reduce unnecessary head and eye movements.
4. Ergonomically designed chairs and keyboards, and proper ambient illumination, can provide additional relief. The keyboard, screen and copy should all be as close to equal distances from the eyes as possible. Workstation lighting should be shaded to avoid reflections on the monitor. Typical office lighting was designed for working on paper on a flat desk surface, and is actually twice as bright as the optimal lighting conditions for computer work.

From Highmark. Full article here.