Usually it all starts quite innocently: the eyes begin to ache a bit, there is "sand" in the eyes. Sometimes these complaints are less severe and disappear for a while, and then everything is only aggravated. The next symptoms are sensitivity to light, watery eyes - especially in the open air. Then there is a "dry eye" syndrome. These are the most frequent consequences of prolonged work at the computer.
Syndrome "from the ear of the eye"
This is quite an unpleasant disease, which should not be underestimated. The reason for it is insufficient secretion of tears, which causes peeling of the epithelium of the eye. This deprives the cornea and conjunctiva of the epithelium, opening wide the door for the penetration of various microorganisms and infections. With this syndrome, after a long time working on the computer, the eyes ache, they turn red and seem to "burn". Sometimes the symptoms can be so serious that it seems as though a foreign body has entered the eye. In the corners of the eyes pus begins to accumulate, the eyelids seem heavy, swollen. Any movement with the eyes causes pain, sometimes there is also a bright light. Complaints become even worse when the patient is exposed to increased evaporation of tears. This happens when a person lives in a dry, poorly ventilated and unventilated room. The presence of dust, evaporating chemicals, and also in the atmosphere of tobacco smoke irritates the eyes.
Approximately 75% of those who spend more than two hours at the computer complain about discomfort. It can be reduced by placing the monitor at eye level (or higher), reducing the blinking frequency. Under normal conditions, we blink 12 times per minute, at the computer - much less often. In addition, the eyes in front of the screen are more widely open (even more than when reading books.) As a result of rapid evaporation of the so-called "tear film" and dry eyes come.
Treatment of dry eye syndrome largely depends on the natural secretion of the human lacrimal glands. In addition to the number of tears in the eyes used drugs under the conventional name "artificial tears." In order to avoid complaints, you will have to take them almost all your life. The frequency of administration depends on the severity of the disease. In some cases, patients use drops even every hour. These drugs are safe. The only restriction may be an allergy to preservatives contained in the drops. To avoid contact with preservatives, manufacturers have created a drug containing one of them, the most hypoallergenic. Patients have a choice and they can decide which drugs bring them the most relief.
In addition to using "artificial tears" drugs, conservative treatment includes the patient's own tears. For this purpose, you can use special injections, which are introduced into the tear ducts. Thus, the patient's own tears are produced better and the eyes are naturally protected from external influences.
What if my eyes hurt?
The use of drops is of great importance. It is also important to maintain proper hygiene. After a long time working at the computer, the eyes of the patients are worse protected from viruses and bacteria, they become more susceptible to various infections. Do not rub your eyes, especially the handkerchief that was previously used for cleaning your nose.
It is important to take care of the hygiene of the premises where a person lives with dry eye syndrome. This frequent ventilation and regular humidification of the room (for example, using a humidifier or ionizer). Well-moistened air protects from drying not only the eyes, but also has a positive effect on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx. While working in front of the computer monitor, it is necessary to take a break for a few minutes. In the course of it you have to make a few blinking movements, looking at the far corner of the room in which you work. You can close your eyes during a break, or use this time to apply drops. Eyes do not like tobacco smoke, even if you are just a passive smoker.
If vision deteriorates
Additional problems caused by working at a computer are blurred vision, nearsightedness and a headache. The reason is that the screen, which irritates the eyes, flashes frequently and continuously. Because you are working in close proximity to the screen, there is a reduction in the ciliary muscle, which controls near and far vision. These muscles are especially difficult to relax, which causes problems with sight and discrimination of distant objects. In extreme cases, dry eyes can cause clouding of the cornea. Only surgical operation will help.
How to help the eyes
After a long time working at the computer, pain in the eyes - what to do? First of all, consult an ophthalmologist, since you can not know exactly what caused the problems with vision. Very similar symptoms of conjunctivitis, for example. If your doctor determines that this is a "dry eye" syndrome, you can take medications (drops or gel) to moisten the eyes. After examining the vision, you can be prescribed special glasses for working at the computer. There are glasses that allow you to see the text on the screen well. During the examination, a small, invisible problem of vision correction can also be revealed. Then the ophthalmologist will order you to compensate for this defect. The doctor will also recommend reducing the strain on your eyes. This is not always possible, but it is necessary to strive for this.
Fortunately, you can help yourself by enhancing the screen settings. The position of the monitor should be exactly at the level of your eyes. So that you can look into it, without lowering your head and not pushing it up. Remove from the monitor glare and reflection, which cause additional strain on the eyes. Do not place the computer near a window or in front of it. Invest in a monitor that is at least 14-inches in diameter, and with a CAD workstation at least 20 inches. Set all image parameters in the computer so that the text is read from a distance of 50-70 cm.
Take care of the spine! Sometimes problems with eyesight can be directly related to problems in posture! Work on the computer exerts a strain on the spine and cardiovascular system. Therefore it is important to prepare a good workplace. Adjust your chair where you can sit with your back straight. Adjust the seat height so that the bones of the thigh and lower leg form an acute angle. The knees should be higher than the thighs.
How to ease the burden on the eyes?
Remember that your eyes should blink. If you can, close your eyes for a while and sit like that. At least every hour break away from the computer, look into the distance and focus attention on remote objects. Stop your look at the greenery that surrounds you.
Every two hours, perform stretching exercises and relaxation of the eye muscles. This will not only relieve tension, but also improve blood circulation. Here is an approximate set of exercises:
- Alternately translate your eyes to distant or near objects;
- Massage your fingertips with upper eyelids, whiskey, nose bridge area;
- Turn your eyes in different directions;
- Just sit with your eyes closed for at least a minute.
Take care that in the room where you work, the air is not dry. Ventilate the room frequently, in the winter use air humidifiers. There can be a preventive application of "dry tears" when working with a computer.
Drink plenty of fluids. Lacrimal glands will not work properly if the body is dehydrated. Walk more along the street, avoid tobacco smoke, which causes irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. Exercise your eyes not only in front of the monitor, but also throughout the day. If you have more troubling symptoms - severe pain, redness of the eyes, falling vision - immediately consult a doctor.