Downside of the computer age? Local eye specialists seeing younger patients with ailments

Oct 21, 2013 News

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By Rehana Ahamad

Before I became a reporter, I never wore spectacles, and I had never wanted to.
But like all of my colleagues, whenever I was not following a news story, I was spending hours in front of a computer typing.
I had done this for more than two years and there were the subtle signs, like aching and watery eyes, but I never really gave it a thought.
Then recently, the occasional watery and aching eyes became an everyday ordeal, and this, coupled with blurred vision, back pains, and intense headaches was overbearing, so I visited an eye specialist.

During an eye test I was informed that I had what was called the Computer Users Syndrome. I was also told that I would have to wear spectacles to protect my eyes.
Although I have been wearing spectacles for the past month, I am still struggling to get accustomed to them.
Had I known that this could have been prevented, I surely would have taken precautions. But I am lucky to have been diagnosed and prescribed spectacles before developing a migraine and other complications. Others have not been so fortunate.
According to local Ophthalmologist Dr. George Norton, Computer Users Syndrome is becoming quite common these days, especially among the younger generation.
The Computer Users Syndrome is caused by prolonged and incorrect use of a computer. However, like me, not many actually consider the medical consequences of working with computers.
“We see a large number of persons with Computer Users Syndrome daily. It has become a very common diagnosis,” Dr. Norton said.
Computer Users Syndrome can cause damaged eyesight, bad posture, and arthritis in fingers, as well as computer stress injuries that can be caused by sitting in one position for a prolonged period. In addition, Dr. Norton said that eye strain can also develop into glaucoma, an illness which is deemed the “silent killer of sight.”
It is most common among those aging 60 and over, but is becoming more visible in persons below 30.
It is estimated that today at least 75 percent of all jobs require some level of computer use. This means three-quarter of the workforce is being exposed to numerous health problems.
Dr. Norton explained that he knows of students who were prescribed spectacles while preparing for examinations.
“There are National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students who needed spectacles while studying, and who had stopped wearing for a while, and started to wear glasses again when they began studying for examinations in fifth form.”
Less than three years ago, when I was preparing for my Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), I used to experience symptoms attributed to the Computer Users Syndrome, but because of my lack of knowledge, I ignored the symptoms.
My optician said, however, that had I visited a specialist during that time, I would have saved my eyes a significant amount of strain.
While there are people who may not have a choice when it comes to working continuously on a computer, it is believed that there are countless children worldwide who develop symptoms due to their addiction to Facebook, BlackBerry Messenger, Twitter, as well as other social sites and video games.
Little do they know that the hours spent sitting in front of a computer can prove to be detrimental in the long run.
One illness that can develop from the use of computer is the Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This is a stress-related injury caused by repetitive movement of joints, especially the wrist, and can lead to numerous musculoskeletal problems. This is caused by extensive typing. An online conversation might be going too nicely for people to slow down, but it is advisable that they do.
Dr. Norton explained that the eye isn’t meant to close-focus all day, and that doing so can lead to considerable problems.
Looking at a computer monitor need not take a toll on the eyes though, since the strains, while it cannot necessarily be reversed, it can be prevented so as to prevent further complications.
“Instead of staring at a computer for a whole hour, work or do what you have to do on it for half an hour. Take a break and look around. Look at something distant, or hold an object and watch it as you move it in and out, so that you don’t become myopic (short sighted),” Dr. Norton advised.
Besides remembering to blink every now and again, persons can also make the display on the computer sharper. Use large, dark letters on a light background; the use of a large monitor is also advisable (a 20-inch screen is easier on the eyes than a 14-inch); remove notes and decorations from the rim of the monitor to reduce distractions; use good lighting and adjust blinds or shades to minimize the amount of direct light on the screen.

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