As more people use computers in the workplace, complaints of eye fatigue, difficulty focusing and discomfort have increased. This has come to be known as computer vision syndrome.

Computer screens won't damage your vision, but you may experience eye strain. Modern Anti-Reflective lenses work wonderfully to reduce glare from computer screens and fluorescent lighting.

Rearranging your computer workstation, changing screen settings, and getting a prescription for "computer" glasses can all help to relieve eye fatigue. You should sit approximately 24-28 inches from your computer monitor, a little further than you would for reading distance, with the top of the screen at or below eye level.

Task concentration and decreased blinking rates can also increase problems with dry eyes, especially during the winter. Usual symptoms include stinging or burning eyes, scratchiness, excessive tearing or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Make sure that you take frequent rest breaks and that you are drinking plenty of water. Non-preserved artificial tears are handy to keep near your workstation when eyes become too dry.

If any of these describe how you are feeling, call our office today and schedule an appointment. We can customize a solution to fit your needs!

- Feet should be flat on the floor (or on a slightly angled foot rest) with knees bent close to or greater than 90 degrees.
- Chair seat should support the legs without excessive pressure on the back of the thighs.
- The back should be snug against the seat to fit your spinal contour.
- Thigh-to-trunk angle should be 90 degrees or greater.
-Wrists and hands should extend nearly straight from the elbow to the home row of the keyboard.
- A commonly preferred work surface height for keyboard use is about 26" as opposed to the conventional 29" of most tables or desks.
- Place the monitor 24"-28" from your eyes, depending on the size of the monitor and individual vision conditions.
- The monitor and keyboard should be straight ahead.
- The top of the monitor should be slightly below horizontal eye level. Tilt the top of the monitor away from you at a 10 degree to 20 degree angle. The center of the monitor should be 10 degrees to 20 degrees below your eyes. This is 4"-9" below your eyes at a distance of 24"
-Keep the monitor free of fingerprints and dust. Both can reduce clarity.
- Place document holders close to the screen within the same viewing distance. Keep the keyboard and monitor in line.
- Adjust the keyboard tilt angle so that wrists are straight.

Everyone experiences the symptoms from time to time: burning, irritable eyes... a feeling that something is actually in the eye. But for some 3 million American women (and 1 million men), these symptoms are chronic, because they suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome.

Tears are essential to good vision. They lubricate the eye, protect it from infections and wash away allergens and debris. With Dry Eye Syndrome, the eye produces too few tears, or tears of very poor quality. Ironically, some people with Dry Eye Syndrome may actually experience tears running down their cheeks as a result of "reflex" tearing.

It is normal for everyone to experience reduced tear production as they age. However, there are many other chemical and environmental factors which contribute to the problem. Dryness can be caused by a dusty or windy climate, heat or air-conditioning vents, as well as extended computer use. Dehydration and lack of sleep play a part in causing the symptoms. Dryness is also a side-effect of other medicines such as birth control pills, blood pressure medicines, antihistamines, over-the-counter eye drops and certain anti-depressants. On occasion, allergies or bacterial infections can even masquerade as dry eye problems.

Help is available! Your eye doctor can offer several options, including prescription medications, for managing Dry Eye Syndrome. If you experience symptoms that are not eleviated by artificial tears alone, call our office for an appointment. We can help!!

Allergies occur when the body overreacts to something it believes to be harmful, even though it may not be. For example, pollen or dust that is harmless to most people can cause a myriad of symptoms in overly sensitive, allergic individuals. Common signs of allergies include: red, swollen, tearing or itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, itchy nose, mouth or throat, and headache from sinus congestion.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, most of the more than 22 million Americans who suffer from allergies also have allergic conjunctivitis (one type of pink eye). Contact lens wear can significantly magnify these allergy symptoms. Many options are available for coping during this difficult time. These include discontinuation of contact lens wear, switching to daily wear disposable contacts, or utilization of one of several new prescription and non-prescription medications. These medications can be taken orally or topically in the form of drops.

Remember. The doctors and staff at Vision Park are your partners in the battle against ocular allergies.

Age-Related Macular Degeneraton (AMD) is a disease that breaks down the macula - the portion of the retina which is responsible for fine-detail vision. This is the vision required for activities such as reading or driving.

The causes of AMD are still unknown. Early symptoms include blurred vision or dark spots in the center of your vision. AMD is painless and usually very gradual. Early detection is of paramount importance in having a "fighting chance" against this disease. Early-stage AMD can be detected only through a dilated eye exam and retinal imaging.

Risk factors for AMD include: smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and family history. Treatment begins with anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals. Rx drug therapy and laser surgery are solutions for more advanced cases. Polarized lenses are recommended as sun protection for patients who have or are at risk for AMD.