Attention Computer Users

Key words:
EyeTonic, eye health, eye, eye fatigue, computer use, bilberry, DHA, fish oil, omega-3

Summary:
Regular computer use can cause eye symptoms such as eye strain and fatigue, symptoms that are usually associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS is a common occurrence in people who rely on using computers every day. Our younger community is increasingly being exposed to computer screens and terminals in today’s modern society, putting stress on their fragile developing eyes. Nutrition can have an important role in maintaining eye health, and in reducing the harmful effects computers have on our eyes.

“After looking at the computer screen for two hours, I began to have difficulty seeing and my eyes became sore. I wondered if it was just me. Then came the headaches…”

Does this sound familiar? The symptoms of eye fatigue are commonly known to many people, particularly those who regularly work with computers and display terminals. However, many people ignore the symptoms. More than half of the current workforce habitually uses computers, with around 70-75% of these people reported to suffer eye fatigue. And as we are becoming more reliant on computers, this increases exposure our exposure. For this reason it is important to identify symptoms of eye fatigue and strain, and to ascertain ways to reduce these. The following symptoms when combined, are referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
• Eye strain and fatigue
• Sore dry eyes
• Tired and irritated eyes
• Itchy or burning eyes
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Squinting
• Blurred or double vision, glare
• Headaches
• Drowsiness and irritability

The causes of eye strain and fatigue are commonly associated with excessive computer use, performing fine-detail work, poor lighting when reading, looking into bright lights, and importantly poor nutrition. As many people rely on computers and other visual aids which can cause these symptoms, it is important to manage your eye health and to minimize the risks of eye strain and fatigue. After all, eye strain and fatigue can be painful and distressing. Not surprisingly, reducing eye strain and fatigue can improve concentration and efficiency at work. The following are some suggestions to help reduce Computer Vision Syndrome in the workplace.

• Increase humidity in the work environment
• Drink adequate fluids throughout the day
• Avoid direct air blowing into eyes
• Rest your eyes for 5mins every 30mins
• Lower room lighting or use indirect lighting
• Use an antiglare screen
• Adjust monitor brightness and contrast
• Place document holder at the same distance from eyes as the monitor
• Keep the monitor screen clean
• Wear dark clothing to avoid screen reflections
• Make sure the top line of text is approximately just below the line of vision
• Ensure the monitor rotates and tilts for easy adjustment

Nutrition Can Help
As mentioned earlier, nutrition plays an important role in the health of our eyes. The rich antioxidant potential of many healthy foods confers protection against the damage to our eyes from stresses such as computer terminals. More specifically, some nutrients have been found to be more important than others. People with low levels of vitamin A readily suffer from visual disturbances such as eye strain and fatigue. Dry eyes, eye discomfort and reduced light adaptability are commonly associated with a deficiency in vitamin A. Anthocyanins found in the herb bilberry have been clinically found to also benefit light adaptation, night vision and eye health. More relevant to eye strain and fatigue, bilberry has been shown to reduce these symptoms after excessive computer use. The emerging evidence for the beneficial effects of omega-3 fish oils has also proven to have great potential for maintaining eye health. Supplementing your diet with some essential vitamins is a good way to support your eye health and reduce eye strain and fatigue associated with computer vision syndrome.

PM EyeTonic is formulated to include ingredients that help protect your eyes from the stress and damage that can come from today’s modern environment.

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