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Medical Corner

feet away. In addition, try to take a fifteen
minute break after every two hours of
computer use.

• Blinking: To minimize your chances of
developing dry eyes when using a computer,
make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking
keeps the front surface of your eyes moist.

Proper viewing habits can help to
prevent or reduce the development of CVS
The author treats a patient at Tzu Chi’s optometry clinic. and halt or slow any prescription changes.
Photo provided by Tzu Chi Medical Foundation
With routine eye exams conducted by an
optometrist or ophthalmologist, problems can
lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on be detected and treated. Children should have
windows and replace the light bulbs in desk at least one comprehensive eye exam before
lamps with bulbs of lower wattage. age three with an eye doctor, not a pediatrician.
The eye doctor can check if children are using
• Anti-glare screens: If there is no way both of their eyes properly, see if they need
to minimize glare from light sources, consider glasses, and test for eye diseases, such as eye
using a anti-glare filter. These filters decrease cancer and hereditary eye diseases. Ideally,
the amount of light reflected from the screen. school-aged children should have their eyes
checked annually, since they read a lot and use
• Seating position: Your chair should electronic devices that can affect their vision.
be comfortably padded and conform to your Adults not wearing contacts should have their
body. Chair height should be adjusted so that eyes checked at least every two years, unless
your feet rest flat on the floor. If your chair has there is a condition that needs to be watched
arms, they should be adjusted to provide arm more closely.
support, so that your wrists do not rest on the
keyboard. Eye exams can detect vision problems early,
and proper viewing habits can relieve some
• Rest breaks: To prevent eyestrain, strain and blurriness associated with daily use
take frequent breaks when using the computer of our eyes. Comfortable and clear vision can
for long periods. A good rule to remember is increase efficiency when we learn, work, and
20/20/20. For every 20 minutes of computer use, carry on our daily lives.
try to look away for 20 seconds at something 20

Disclaimer: The information above is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, physical therapist,
or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment.

We must cherish and care for ourselves as well as our planet.
Jing Si Aphorism by Dharma Master Cheng Yen

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