CHENNAI : "Most of my colleagues and friends complain of irritation in the eye but we carry on," says Bhavani who works for eight hours on the computer as a back office professional for a multinational bank in Chennai. "Our work is all on the computer." Though a doctor visits her company on alternate days, few of the staff bring up the issue.

People working on computers for long hours typically suffer from one or more of the following eye problems, according to opthalmologists: burning sensation, dryness, irritation, redness, eye strain and neck pain. This entire range of symptoms falls under what they describe as "computer vision syndrome."

Ophthalmologists classify the syndrome as mild, moderate and severe. Dr. Mohan Rajan says, "These problems are normally found in computer professionals who work 8-12 hours a day. It is not a sight-threatening problem. So people tend to take it lightly."

"It is more a nuisance," says P. Kanthamani of Krishna Eye and ENT Hospitals. Doctors prescribe a complete eye check up with dilatation for accuracy, to rule out astigmatism for those experiencing eye strain. Appropriate testing and glasses can relieve the strain. Even a low cylindrical power must be corrected. Dr. Kanthamani recalls a software employee who was tested and given glasses for short sight. Another test with dilatation showed that he needed glasses for long sight.

Corrective glasses for hyper metropia (long sight) and myopia (short sight) should be worn. Those wearing bifocals should opt for progressive or multi focal glasses with optical segment to view computers at an intermediary distance.

That's not all. Another common problem is excess photophobia (sensitivity to light).

Software companies have standardised lighting to prevent light reflection on the screen. The contrast between the brightness of the room and the computer should be optimal. It is preferable to work on fonts with darker shade on a light background. The reflection from light bulb should not fall on the screen. Antireflection-coated glasses give crisper vision and reduce glare. Anti-glare screens on the monitor reduces reflection from the screen. Irritation and burning sensation occurs because the cornea, which does not get blood supply for its nourishment, is lubricated by the liquid that flows every time we blink, doctors explain. The liquid provides oxygen to the cornea. When working on the computer, `we forget to blink.' This involuntary action results in dryness, irritation, redness and burning sensation.

In people with mild computer vision syndrome, the blinking pattern is restored consciously. For severe cases, artificial tears and lubricants are prescribed. But they give only temporary relief. As the front surface of the cornea becomes dry, the optic quality of the rays of light going into the eye fades, and this leads to strain, says Dr. Amar Agarwal. He gives lectures in companies, teaching people to care for their eyes.

Optimum levels

To reduce the strain, experts prescribe that the chair should be 76cm tall and the table should be about 80 cm from the floor. The monitor should be at least 50 cm away from the eye and be placed slightly below the eye level to facilitate blinking. Such an arrangement makes it easier for the staff glued to their computers.

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