Working at a computer all day long can play havoc with your eyes. Read our tips on reducing the effects of computer work, and find out how to choose a lens that can help keep your eyes fresh and more comfortable in front of a computer.
Why computer work is hard on your eyes
Every week we spend hours staring at a computer screen, so finding the right lens to help keep our eyes comfortable and healthy is vital.
Working on a computer can affect your eyes in a number of ways, including:
• Reduced blink rate
• Dry and irritated eyes
• Eyestrain and tired eyes
• Blurred and variable vision
• Redness of the eyes
Improper or less frequent blinking
Blinking is your body’s natural way of replenishing the tear film that keeps your eyes clean and moist. Blinking spreads the tears across your eyes, making sure they’re constantly moist, and keeping foreign bodies from entering and irritating them.
Normally, we blink once every 5 seconds (11,000 times a day). However, when we’re working at the computer we blink less frequently, or not as fully. In fact, studies show that we blink 5 times less than we should.
Using a monitor
Your eyes have little problem focusing on most printed material, where the characters are dense, black and with well-defined edges. Characters on a computer screen, however, don’t have this contrast or well-defined edges.
These characters (pixels) are brightest at the centre and diminish in intensity toward their edges. This can make it more difficult for your eyes to maintain focus and remain fixed onto these images.
Working at a computer wearing lenses
If you wear contact lenses, you may notice the effects of computer work even more – when you blink less, the surface of your lenses can dry out, leading to significant discomfort.
It doesn’t have to be this way. If you want to wear lenses comfortably while working at a computer, try ACUVUE® OASYS® with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS which is made with materials that retain their moisture. This is designed to give you an ultra smooth, comfortable feeling.
Tips for computer users
Check your contact lenses
ACUVUE® OASYS® gives you the complete comfort and performance you need from a lens - both at and away from computer screens.
• HYDRACLEAR® PLUS technology for smooth, flexible and moist contact lenses at all times
• Silicone hydrogel material allowing almost 100% oxygen to your eye1
• Highest level of UV protection available in a reusable lens
• Fresh lenses every two weeks, keeping your eyes comfortable
For computer work your eyes would choose ACUVUE® OASYS® contact lenses
Reduce glare
Avoid facing an un-shaded window – the difference in brightness between your screen and the area behind it may cause eye stress and discomfort.
Adjust your monitor
You should be looking just over the top of the monitor in your straight-ahead gaze.
Take a break
Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes. Focus your eyes at least 6 metres from your terminal. Keep your eyes moving while looking at objects at various distances.
Try ACUVUE® OASYS®
Ask your optician about ACUVUE® OASYS® contact lenses with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS.
You can also claim a free2 trial pair when you visit. Print voucher.
1. Oxygen to the central cornea during daily wear as opposed to wearing no lens at all
2.Please note that professional eye exam and fitting fees may apply.
* JJVC data on file 2006, phone interview by an independent market research firm, n=255 (subjects), brand- and sponsor masked, monadic (parallel) study. Working on a computer more than 25 hours/week (n=174). Percentage excellent/very good and strongly /somewhat agree