How computer use affects eye health and what to consider when using it

The use of computers, which is one of the conveniences that technological innovations bring to our lives, causes some visual problems as a result of their widespread use in all business sectors, schools and homes.

According to Dr. Mehmet Ucar, staring at a computer too closely can pose a risk of developing myopia. Due to prolonged use of computers, more than half of computer users complain of eye strain, dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, tingling, watery eyes and sometimes double vision, and such results in the visual system cause fatigue of the body and mind, resulting in impaired vision. .with production losses.

As a result of excessive use of the computer, a disease called "computer eye strain syndrome" occurs. All users who use a computer for more than 2 hours a day are candidates for this disease. This causes eye strain in people looking at a computer screen.

While using the computer, the number of blinks decreases to one third (4-6 per minute) of its normal value (12-18 per minute). With a decrease in the number of blinks, hydration, oxygenation and nutrition of the stratum corneum worsens, which causes dry eyes.

An air-conditioned environment increases the evaporation of tears, reduces humidity, and aggravates dry eyes in computer workers.

Common symptoms resulting from computer-related eye strain and dry eyes are eye fatigue and pain, burning, stinging, blurred vision, dry feeling, tearing, itching, redness, strabismus, difficulty focusing, double vision , movement around fonts and graphics, redness of the skin around the eyes, redness of light or scattering halos, sensitivity to light, headache, pain in the neck and back.

What should I pay attention to when using a computer?

• If glasses are required, glasses should be worn. Anti-reflective eyeglass coatings provide comfort by reducing UV light penetration into the eyes.
• He should be in an upright and comfortable sitting position. Legs should be perpendicular to the floor, thighs parallel, back and arms straight, forearms parallel to the floor. The chair should have a back and be adjustable.
• The brightness of the screen should be at the level at which the person is most comfortable.
• The top edge of the screen should be at eye level, and the distance from the screen should be as far away from which you can comfortably see what is on the screen.
• The distance between the eye and the computer screen must be at least 60 cm.
• It should be borne in mind that the eyes should blink frequently, and this must be done consciously. We typically blink an average of 25 times per minute. During the undercutting movement, the upper eyelid rests. The eyeballs are nourished and cleansed by tears. The slippery surface of the eye ensures clear vision. When working with the screen, this time drops below 10 per minute. In this case, the tears evaporate and the surface of the eye dries up. Then there are complaints such as burning, redness and burning in the eyes. Intentionally blinking while using your computer helps prevent a lot of complaints.
• You may be able to look at the screen with your eyes wide open to focus and see clearly. This increases the symptoms of eye diseases. You may deliberately squint while working on a computer.
• It is also a good option to provide moisturizing support with artificial eye drops to prevent dryness.

• The screen, keyboard, mouse, and font being viewed should be close to each other.
• The screen refresh rate should be fast and even. Protective films or films that reduce glare can be used.
• Pay attention to the 20-20-20 rule. It is applied by looking at a distance of 20 meters for 20 seconds, once every 20 minutes. This technique supports the development of the eye muscles. This allows you to regularly look away from the screen. This way you give your eyes a chance to rest.
• The intraocular muscles, which work harmoniously, should rest as much as possible when looking at great distances.
• Ventilate your work environment.
• Select a screen color from light shades.
• Make your monitor as big as possible.
• Set your screen protector to turn on frequently.
• Protect your eye health with glasses. You can reduce the light reflected from your computer by using UV lenses and screen filters. You can find active glasses online. You can also choose from filter options that are compatible with almost any computer screen.
• The angle of the screen to the windows should be appropriate, images from windows and other sources should not fall on the screen.
• It is convenient to write in large fonts and characters that do not tire the eyes, and to work with light characters on a dark background.
• Since screens collect a lot of dust due to their structure, they must be cleaned frequently with suitable materials.