Tired Eyes - USC Health Sciences

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 09 Apr 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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While technological advancements during the last several years have resulted in more conveniences and efficiencies at home and work, the reliance upon computers and TV screens may be taking a toll on our eyes.

Activities such as computer work, reading for an extended period or playing video games up close can cause our eyes to tire and result in blurred vision from "accommodative fatigue," or the inability to carry out close work for an extended period of time, says Jennifer Lim, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Other problems can include dryness of the eyes from lack of blinking while staring at the screen or, on rare occasions, prolonged near work can result in spasms that result in blurred vision and eye pain.

"Remember to take breaks and look into the distance, such as the end of the room or out the window, every 15 minutes," says Lim. "Also consciously make an effort to blink your eyes - when you focus a lot, you tend not to blink."

Lim also advises using an anti-glare screen on the computer monitor if the glare is bothersome.

For children, additional steps should be taken to protect their eyes:

-- Wear sunglasses while outdoors (a habit which should continue into adulthood).

-- Wear protective eyewear or goggles during sports, such as basketball or swimming.

-- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, particularly while playing - this can result in transmission of pink eye if a playmate is infected.

-- Never look directly at the sun.

-- Refrain from playing with fireworks.

-- Maintain distance from anyone doing work that could result in injury to the eye, such as carpentry or chopping wood.

Parents should be cognizant of their children's eye health and consult a doctor if they notice any changes. For example, if a child is cross-eyed, they should bring the child to be examined by a pediatric ophthalmologist. If the child does a lot of near work such as reading, sometimes nearsightedness can accelerate or the eyes may appear to cross during these activities - these events also require a visit to the ophthalmologist.

In addition, if a child's pupil appears white in color, or if swelling develops around the eyelids or reddish or purplish discoloration occurs around the orbits (eye sockets), these could indicate medical problems and should be examined immediately.

USC Health Sciences
http://www.usc.edu//uscnews/experts

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