Optometrist Shares Computer Vision Syndrome Remedies

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 14 Nov 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Though it will probably never lead to a world-wide ban of computers, an estimated 40 percent to 70 percent of computer users suffer from dry, irritated eyes associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. The good news is that it can be treated.

"While you're staring at the computer screen, you tend to blink less, which means you're producing no tears," said Ernie Bowling, O.D., associate professor and chief of primary care service at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Optometry. "It's especially a problem for people older than 50, since tear production slows with age anyway."

He tells his patients to buy omega 3 nutritional supplements, which help stimulate tear duct production. He also suggests applying hot compresses to eyes to open up the glands or using artificial tears.

University of Alabama at Birmingham
701 20th St. S., AB 1320
Birmingham, AL 35294-0113
United States
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