The good news: “There are no known long-term
negative effects on the eyes from working at a computer display,”
says James E. Sheedy, O.D., Ph.D., associate professor at Ohio
State University College of Optometry.
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is not a medical diagnosis but
rather a term optometrists have adopted to describe a collection of
symptoms that are related to prolonged exposure to computer
displays: eyestrain, dry eyes, blurry vision and headaches. What
follows are some of Sheedy’s tips to prevent CVS.
Screens shouldn’t be brighter than the general background
lighting, should have a refresh rate of 85 hertz or higher, and the
screen’s center should be 4 to 9 inches below eye-level. Text
should be three times the size of the smallest text you can read
(black-on-white text is best). And taking regular breaks to focus
eyes on distant objects will let eye muscles relax.
If workspace ergonomics don’t do the trick, consult an
optometrist. CVS symptoms might be indicative of more serious eye
problems.