Yeditepe University Ophthalmology Research and Application Center Specialists stated that widespread computer use also affects the eyes negatively and added, "These complaints can be minimized by sitting appropriately, using glasses, and changing environmental factors."

With the widespread use of computers, which are an indispensable part of life today, many conditions such as computer fatigue, headache, eye pain, neck pain, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome are seen more frequently. Noting that widespread computer use also affects the eyes negatively, specialists said, "These complaints can be minimized by sitting appropriately, using glasses, and changing environmental factors."

Stating that there is no definitive proof that the computer causes the visual impairment, but that looking too closely can pose a risk for the development of myopia (shortsightedness disorder), Yeditepe University Ophthalmology Research and Application Center Specialists added that due to long-term computer use, more than half of computer users may experience eye strain, headache, blurred vision, stinging, watery eyes, and sometimes double vision, and such findings in the visual system cause physical and mental fatigue and labor losses are experienced as a result.

The closer you look at the computer, the more the strain on the eyes!

The computer requires close interaction. In order for the images to be seen better in close interaction, the muscle in the eye adapts and increases the refraction of our lens in the eye. Constantly adapting can cause pain. The closer one looks at the computer screen, the greater the need for adaptation. If the adaptation is made more than necessary and for a long time, pain may occur around the eyes, head, and neck. Dryness in the eyes and resulting burning, stinging, and redness are seen as other symptoms. 

Complaints go away when you do not use a computer

Our specialists, who stated that eye disorders in computer use are generally situational, said, “These complaints go away when computer use is stopped and normal habits are adopted again. In computer use, refractive errors such as hyperopia and astigmatism can give symptoms. The need for adaptation in hypermetropic individuals is higher than in normal people. With the addition of the need for additional adaptation brought about by close study, pain in and around the eyes, headache, neck pain, intermittent blurred vision, and watering in the eyes can be seen. If these complaints are caused by a refractive error, these problems are eliminated with the use of glasses.” 

Which points should be considered when using a computer?

• If there is a need for glasses, they should be worn. Anti-reflective coatings on the glasses provide comfort by reducing the penetration of ultraviolet wavelengths into the eyes.
• There should be an upright and comfortable sitting position. Legs should be perpendicular to the floor, thighs parallel, back and arms straight, forearms parallel to the floor. The chair should have back support and be adjustable.
• The screen brightness should be at the level that the person is most comfortable with.
• The top of the screen should be at the eye level of the person.
• The distance between the eye and the computer screen should not be closer than 60 cm.
• It should be kept in mind that the eyes should be blinked frequently, and it should be done consciously.
• The screen, keyboard, mouse, and the source being viewed should be close to each other.
• The screen refresh rate should be high, and it should be a flat screen. Screen or screen savers that reduce reflections can be used.
• The person should get up and walk around for about 10 minutes after every two hours of work.
• Intraocular muscles, which work in harmony, should be rested by looking at long distances whenever possible.