Prolonged computer use may cause vision problems

July 2, 2010

People tend to spend more time in front of computers today than they did 10 years ago, and this may be causing a condition referred to as Comupter Vision Syndrome, CNET reports.

The news source reports that if you spend more than two hours a day in front of a computer screen there is a 50 percent chance that you will develop eye health issues.

According to the American Optomoetric Association (AOA), a recent study found that 10 million primary eye exams are conducted every year due to computer use.

The AOA recommends sitting 20 to 28 inches from the monitor, with the top of it being slightly lower than eye level.

Eliminating sources of glare is also recommended. If having trouble viewing the screen, adjust the lighting so that it is a comfortable level but not so much that it is blinding. If seeing the text is difficult, adjust the size so that it is comfortable for you to read it.

The AOA recommends an annual eye exam to maintain good eye health.