Wednesday, February 9, 2011

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME and HEADACHES ...


How often are you on the computer?

Have you heard of CVS - Computer Vision Syndrome?

Basically, it's nothing more than eye strain or eye fatigue, but it has been causing a whole lot of
symptoms, I have a lot of problems with persistent headaches and migraines.

Symptoms of CVS:

1.  Eye fatigue or eye strain
2.  Mental fatigue
3.  Irritation or itching eyes with burning sensation
4.  Double vision or blurred vision due to lack of focusing
5.  Pain around shoulders, neck and arms
6.  Constant muscle spasms
7.  Persistent headaches

While many of us that spend time online have a number of these symptoms, I find myself having a whole lot of problems with headaches, ranging from minor annoyances  to full-blown migraines associated with my time online.  And it's starting to become an every day thing!

How often do get a headache or migraine?

Besides myself, I'm a member of the Promotional Frenzy Team on Etsy.com where many of
the members seem to be having an over abundance of headaches and migraines ...

What is alarming to me is that these headaches can crop up if you only spend 2 hours every
day in front of a computer. Even using the computer for that minimal amount of time increases your odds of getting CVS to 90%, and I am online a whole lot more than that every day working in my Etsy jewelry shop. And I'm betting so are most of my Team members!

The easiest to remember advise that my Opthamologist has given me is the "20-20-20" Rule.
Give your eyes a break  -  every 20 minutes focus on an object 20 feet away for a period of 20 seconds. That's all there is to it, and it really helps!


                                               Computer Ergonomics

Follow These Important Steps to Get Relief from CVS:

1.  Set your monitor just six to eight inch below your eye level.
2.  Experts recommend that 20 to 25 inches will be the ideal for comfortable viewing.
3.  Avoid your seat near to an air vent as this will dry your eyes out.
4.  Avoid having your computer monitor under bright overhead lighting.
5.  Don't place your desk in front of a window allowing bright sunlight to come in.
6.  Position your monitor just in front of your chest level but definitely not at your eye level.
7.  The brightness of your monitor should be adjusted to match your work environment.
8.  Take a regular break and use the "20 20 20 Rule".






According to the Census Report , over 250 million US citizens spend their quality time in front of the computer every day. This includes 60 million children in schools, and early 88 per cent of all computer users will develop CVS at some times in their lives!


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30 comments:

Anonymous said...

thanks for such an informative article... I am getting away from my computer right now :0)

New Hampshire Gardener said...

This is great information. I worry about children who spend too much time with the computer not getting enough exercise, apparently it is more dangerous than I thought.
Judy

Lbtoyos said...

Really interesting, I spend too more time than 2 hours, so I will start making the 20-20-20, thanks.

Dee said...

Oh dear, this is great advice! I work 4-6 hours a day on the computer, then use my personal laptop for a few more hours a day!

You have given us some great information here, thank you! And thanks for the tips as well.

I wonder if that cat has migraines too?

bagsofblessing said...

Great advice. I hadn't heard of the 20-20-20 rule. I will have to try it.

Unknown said...

WOW! I had no idea...this might explain my afternoon headaches though. THANK YOU!

PS: I wonder if I could train my dog to do my Etsy work, like the cat in your picture?!?!

Denise Therese said...

SO TRUE. My eye doctor told me that too, I just keep forgetting to put it into practice!

kuteklipboardsbyamy said...

Great article - I wonder if the cat is for hire to work on my shop for me?????

jlcjbuzz said...

Interesting....You can also get neck strain and shoulder problems from too much time at the computer. Be sure to practice good posture! Thanks for the post. Something that applies to most of us, I'm sure!
Carol from Carol's Jewelry Orchard

Kelly said...

Thanks Jill, this was very informative. I've heard of the strain--and believe my eyes have changed because of it (NOT that I've gotten older :) ), but not the 20 20 20 rule though. Great advice. Oh, off topic, but my sister lives in Atlanta, too. Great city!! (Galeaz Glass)

Unknown said...

Good info, thanks!!

Terra Verde said...

Wow, that is helpful advice. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I have similar issues and the same headaches! SO glad to read your post...very helpful!

teener1416 said...

wonderful job! I don;t get headaches very often. But I find I can NEVER go on the computer after crying over stress or something or a headache will crop up in literally minutes!

Thanks for the distance and sitting suggestions, I really should do that more often!

Lissie said...

Great information!
Thank you!

Linda B said...

Wow, that's great information. I remember that day when we all weren't feeling well.

20-20-20 for me will start soon.

Thanks.

bountyofbeads said...

I live on the computer since both of my businesses are computer based. Thought this technology was suppose to make it easier....Thanks for the helpful info.

Jill Q said...

Glitterbird says:

I wonder if that cat has migraines too?
----------------------------------
No Man nor Beast is exempt!

BijiBijoux said...

Wow JQ! Thank you so much for sharing with us this such a helpful information to ease our pain while we spend almost all day with the computer!
I want to make sure to do the 20 20 20 advice right now :)

Unknown said...

VERY interesting! I called my boyfriend in to read this one. I spend my whole day in front of the computer and I can tell my eyes are not doing so good. I need to set a timer for 20 minutes!

Sewinggranny - Mona said...

Great information....I know I am spending way too much time infront of the computer lately, these tips will help!

Inessa/Prittyfy said...

Yes, I am a member of that "headache" club. Between work and home I spend too much time on computer.

KrystalsJewelry said...

love the pictures super cute/funny!!! I had that well some of the syndrome i always found myself tired from staring at a screen all day. my eyes would sting and makes me very fatigue... great post good to know what its called and everything!

Sea Flower Studios said...

Great advice! Thanks for sharing!

CalliopeCreations said...

But if I limit my computer use, I won't get my daily promoting done! Eek!

Debbie Boren said...

Wow. Super interesting and super cool that you shared it. Thank you. I'll have to try that tomorrow. "Or now might be a better time"

Mandy said...

Thank you for this valuable information!

Mandy from Inspired Designs
http://heartstringsbyjanice.blogspot.com/

petitehermine said...

Very interesting! I think I definitely need to get off the computer more often :)

a.mattimeo said...

Good information, I have often wondered about this!

Crystal said...

Great info! Thanks!

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