Table of contents:
- What is SPK and why does this syndrome damage vision?
- Who is at risk for SPK?
- What are the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
- How do you relieve the symptoms of SPK?
- 1. Do not provide any other light source that is brighter than the computer screen
- 2. Adjust the viewing distance from the computer screen
- 3. Take your eyes off the computer screen every now and then
- 4. Lighting settings on the computer screen
Staring at a computer screen for hours has become commonplace in the daily life of modern society. However, staring at a computer screen for too long can pose a risk computer vision syndrome aka Computer Vision Syndrome (SPK) due to eye strain staring at a computer screen.
What is SPK and why does this syndrome damage vision?
Computer vision syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome which occurs as a result of doing the same movement over and over again so that there is injury / stress due to the movement. SPK can also have a negative impact on eye health due to the movement of the eye muscles working hard in front of a computer screen.
Working at a computer requires your eyes to stay focused, move back and forth, and align with what is seen on the computer screen. Working by typing, looking at paperwork, and then returning to the computer screen makes the eye muscles work optimally because they have to accommodate changes in the image on the screen so that the brain can interpret a clear picture.
When staring at a computer screen, the eye muscles work harder than reading a book or piece of paper because the computer screen has additional elements such as lighting. Computer eye problems can occur if you have a previous history of eye disorders (such as nearsightedness or farsightedness) or if you wear glasses but don't wear them or wear the wrong glasses.
As you get older, the eye lens will become less flexible so that the ability of the eye muscles to focus on objects from near and far is reduced. This can cause difficulties, especially for workers who have entered the age of around 40 years. This condition is also called old eye (presbyopia).
Who is at risk for SPK?
An increase in the number of sufferers who experience eye fatigue and irritation due to SPK increases every year. This is due to the increasing number of computers used by adults and children. Research shows that eye disorders are common among computer users. About 50% and 90% of people who work on computers have at least a problem with their vision.
Adult workers are not the only ones who are vulnerable to SPK. Children watching video games, portable tablets, smartphones, even computers throughout the day at school can also experience eye problems, especially if the lighting and computer positions are less than ideal.
What are the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
There is insufficient evidence that SPK occurs due to long-term damage to the eye. However, frequent computer use can cause eye strain and cause discomfort.
A person with computer vision syndrome will experience some or all of the following eye disorders:
- The sight becomes blurred
- The view looks double
- Dry eyes or red eyes
- Eye irritation
- Headache
- Neck pain or back pain
- Sensitive to light
- Inability to see focus on an object that is far away
If these symptoms are not treated immediately, this will affect your activities at work.
How do you relieve the symptoms of SPK?
Some simple changes in your work environment can help prevent and improve vision:
1. Do not provide any other light source that is brighter than the computer screen
If your computer is close to a window and creates glare, cover your windows with blinds to reduce glare. Use a dimmer light if the lights in your room are too bright, or you can use extras filter on your monitor screen.
2. Adjust the viewing distance from the computer screen
The researchers found that the optimal viewing distance for viewing a computer screen is lower than the eye and the optimal viewing distance is about 50 - 66 cm or about one arm's length, so you don't have to stretch your neck or strain your eyes.
Also, place a back rest for your work printed materials (such as books, sheets of paper, etc.) right next to your computer screen to work on. So, your eyes don't try to look down as hard as you type.
3. Take your eyes off the computer screen every now and then
Try looking away from the computer screen every 20 minutes or looking out a window / room for 20 seconds to rest your eyes. Blink frequently to keep eyes moist. If your eyes become too dry, try using eye drops.
4. Lighting settings on the computer screen
When you buy a computer there are pre-set manufacturer settings.install. If your eyes are uncomfortable with the setting, you can change it to suit your eye comfort. Adjusting brightness, contrast, and the size of writing on a computer screen generally has a big impact on eye health.
Have regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist to ensure the health of your eyes. If you experience eye problems, consult your ophthalmologist. You may need special glasses or contact lenses to correct vision problems. The eye doctor will help determine the use of glasses that suit your needs.
As often as possible, check the eye health of the children regularly. Make sure each computer or gadget others are used based on the suggested suggestions.
