Archive → November, 2010
Is my computer giving me headaches?
I know mine does!!! But seriously, we weren’t designed to stare at a computer screen hour after hour, yet many of us do so by choice or by need (job requirement?, teenage-ness?, etc.) If you regularly deal with a computer, try the following:
First, make sure you have your eyes examined regularly – once per year, so that you ensure your eyes are not being needlessly strained. Many patients have discovered the benefits of having a pair of glasses made specifically to use for near and computer work.
At the appointment let the doctor know how much you use the computer. Have a tape measure or yard sick at hand when you do this next part: Days before you come in for the exam, sit in front of your computer and use it for a little while – about 15-20 minutes. Get comfortable in front of it. Get into your typical working position – not some stiff upright posture that the nuns at my grammar school would have wanted (though this might help with that lower back pain). You need to be in the position that is real for you. Now measure the distance from the bridge of your nose to the middle of your computer screen and write it down so you can bring it to the exam. Also, measure the distance to your keyboard and any associated paperwork you look at while on the computer, and add them to your list of working distances. If you use multiple screens, measure the distance to them all. This will allow the doctor to determine the proper power you need to see your screen clearly and without working your eyes overtime.
When you get into the position as described above – you know, the comfortable one – look straight ahead past the computer screen. Can you see over the top of the monitor without having to look up? If yes, great! If not, your monitor is too high or you are too low. You want to be in a “down gaze” looking down a little when you do near work, whether it is reading, writing, knitting, model building, sewing, wood-working, etc. etc. etc., and – oh yeah! - using the computer! Our eyes converge (rotate inward) to see close and they do it much more easily and comfortably while looking down a bit.
While doing concentrated near work or computer use remember a simple rule: 20/20/20. Every 20 minutes or so, take a break from the computer or the near task at hand for at least 20 seconds, and look into the distance at least 20 feet away. This allows the convergence muscles on the outside of the eyes and the focusing muscles on the inside of the eyes to relax for a little while. Imagine picking up a 5 pound bag of sugar. No big deal, right? Now imagine holding it out at arm’s length for the next hour or so. Much bigger deal.
Remember to blink your eyes more often when you read or use the computer. Near tasks that we put more concentration into tend to have us blink less often than when we are looking farther away. Less blinking equals less lubrication on the front of your eyes. This can affect both the vision and the comfort of the eyes – even more so with Contact Lens users.
So, give your eyes a little break during those long sessions on the computer or other concentrated near work. Your eyes will thank you.
Why do my eyes itch and what can I do about it?
Itchy eyes are typically related to an ocular allergy. If the itchiness is seasonal, there is usually something either growing (in springtime) or dying (in autumn) that is putting an allergen in the air. If you are affected year-round, you may suffer from dust or animal dander allergies. Either way, something in the air, or on your hands is making its way onto the front of your eye and causing an allergic reaction. Itchiness, along with redness and puffiness (swelling), can be resolved a number of ways – depending on the duration and severity of it.
Nothing replaces a doctor’s examination to find out what is happening to your eyes and why. So using the suggestions below does not replace a doctor’s diagnosis, but they are some helpful hints to relieve the itch. If you are going to try one of the therapeutic drops (the ones that have active drugs in them) please read the inserts in the packaging carefully so you understand what you are doing. If you have any questions or concerns about their use, call us or make an appointment to see the doctor.
1. Cool compresses (wet a washcloth with cold water and wring it out slightly) placed over your eyelids can calm the swelling and redness.
2. Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears / Eye Lubricants can help remove excess pollens and allergens from your eyes to keep the allergies reduced and soothe the eyes.
3. Over-the-Counter Anti-Allergy drops can provide relief from the itch with an Anti-Histamine drug. These drops can be very useful to reduce and relieve the itchy eyes if used properly for mild symptoms. However, most of these drops also contain a drug to reduce red eyes. The user must be careful not to overuse this type of drop due to possible over-reaction of the eyes to this drug.
4. Newer Over-the-Counter Anti-Allergy drops combine a Mast Cell Stabilizer with an Anti-Histamine for more severe symptoms and only need to be used twice per day for good relief of allergy symptoms.
5. Prescription Anti-Allergy drops are available, if needed, after a visit to our doctor.
6. Some allergy sufferers may get itchy eye relief from their oral Anti-Allergy medications.
