CTRL exposure to computer screen to ESC hazard to your eyes

Spending endless hours in front of the computer is a call of the current times. We get so engrossed in what we are doing that we tend to forget how long we’ve been staring at the computer. What does that mean for our eyes? Let’s put that in perspective – one can always get another job but not another pair of precious eyes!

Staring at the computer screen can adversely affect our eyes. Studies have shown that continuous use of the computer can cause eye strain, symptoms of which include colour fringes and difficulty in re-focusing as well as watery, dry, itchy, sore, and tired eyes. It may also cause burning of the eyes and/or blurred vision.In fact, there is also a medical term for it: computer vision syndrome, that has made its way into medical textbooks.So, what can you do to ease the strain on the eyes – lets go over several precautions you can and should  take. 

- Check the computer screen for glare. Adjust lighting in the room including any lamps and reposition any reflective mirrors. Tweak the position of the computer so that there is no to minimal glare from the window.

- Lower the computer screen, so that the screen is at eye level.

- Keep the keyboard in front of the monitor.This prevents viewing the screen from an eye-tiring level.

- Keep a distance of 20” – 28” (about an arm’s length) from the computer screen.

- Take five minute breaks every hour by looking away from the computer and off  into the distance. This will not only help you relax, but will also re-energize  you. Keep a watch or a timepiece in a prominent position close-by to remind you  of the very important and much needed short breaks.

- Rest your eyes for brief periods by simply closing your eyes

- Blink more often.This helps keep the eyes moist,naturally.

- Take cold showers. This helps accelerate blood circulation and improves eye  movement.

- Don’t compound the problem by excessive tweeting and/or messaging.

  

     

Our eyes are the most complex part of the body apart from the human brain.Composed of more than two million essential parts, they are capable of processing  almost 40,000 pieces of visual information every 60 minutes. Eyes are often the  stimulants of most of the responsive/reactive actions of our body.Given the fact  that most of our bodily functions actually originate from information received  and perceived by the eyes and the corresponding signals they send, it is  absolutely essential that they are protected at all times.

Red Eye can be a red alert

Conjunctivitis, also known as red eye, needs to be diagnosed and treated early to avoid complications.

The symptoms are a kind of red alert or warning that the eyes need urgent attention and should not be neglected.

In medical terms, conjunctivitis is defined as inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid. It is a very common condition:  at least one person in every 50 visits a doctor with this complaint.

The common causes of conjunctivitis are infections (specially in children) and allergy (more common in adults). Most conjunctival infections are caused by bacteria which are spread by hand-to-eye contact, or by viruses associated with a cold, sore throat or illness such as measles. Viral conjunctivitis sometimes occurs in epidemics, spreading rapidly through schools and other groups where close contact with others is common.

Newborn babies occasionally develop conjunctivitis soon after birth, which results from the spread of infection from the mother’s cervix during birth and may be caused by various micro-organisms.  Extreme care is needed to ensure that the infection does not spread and cause  serious complications.

An allergic response of the conjunctiva may be provoked by a variety of substances, including cosmetics, contact lens cleaning solutions and pollen.

All types of conjunctivitis cause redness, irritation, itching, discharge and occasionally photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to bright light). In infective conjunctivitis the discharge contains pus and may cause the eyelids to be stuck together in the morning. In allergic conjunctivitis the discharge is clear, and the eyelids are often swollen.

Diagnosis is made from the appearance of the eyes. If an infection is suspected, swabs may be taken to find out the causative organism, specially in a newborn baby when an exact diagnosis may be needed.

Warm water can be used to wash away the discharge and remove any crusts on the eyelids. Suspected infection can be treated with eye drops or an ointment containing an antibiotic drug. Viral conjunctivitis tends to get better without treatment. Allergic treatment may be relieved by the use of an eyedrop provided there is no accompanying infection. The person should also take some simple precautions: washing hands frequently using an antiseptic soap to prevent spread of infection, using a clean tissue to remove discharge. It’s good to consult a physician if the problem persists. If medicine is prescribed it is important to finish the course of antibiotics, even if the condition seems to have improved, to make sure  the infection does not recur.  The symptoms of conjunctivitis may last anywhere from several days to two weeks. Close contact with others should be avoided until the problem has been completely solved.

Eyes are the most complex part of the body apart from the human brain, and extreme care should be taken to protect them.