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Glare and vision discomfort

1. The American Optometry Association recognizes a condition called CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome). The discomfort is experienced by more than half of the computer users Office Organix surveys. The condition usually isn’t lasting, but it is unpleasant. Symptoms include dry burning eyes, blurred vision, delayed focusing, altered color perception and headaches.

2. Computer offices should be dimly lit but too often they are overly bright. Dim down the lights if your lights operate on a dimmer switch. If you have fluorescent lighting, remove one or more of the tubes from your overhead fixture. Some fluorescent fixtures offer intensity control and allow you to increase or decrease brightness.

3. You can condition fluorescent light and cut glare using full spectrum light tubes or with tube covers that slip over fluorescent tubes. With either solution, you will also find colors are more natural. Full spectrum fluorescent tubes additionally reduce SADS (Seasonal Effective Disorder), a condition often experienced during gray, winter weather.

4. Since your office should be dimly lit, use non reflective task lights at your desk to provided targeted light when you need it.

5. Reduce monitor glare by using shades, blinds or curtains to stop sunlight from reflecting in your monitor.

6. Do not use mirrored finishes or high gloss paint on office walls as they increase glare.

7. Blink more often at your desk to refresh and moisten your eyes. Did you know you blink less frequently doing computer work than you do reading a book or talking to someone. Blinking is how the eye moistens and conditions itself.

8. Take a brief vision break frequently. Even looking up momentarily and focusing on something in the distance is beneficial.

9. Bi-focal users may want to use single focus glasses ground for computer work. Your optometrist can set the proper focal length. Sunglass-styled eyewear is also available designed especially for computer work.