Problems from the Computer Screen - Eye & Vision Message Board

giJ · 12-10-2000, 10:51 AM

I have worn glasses for about 15 years, and contacts for about 12 of those years. However, since I started working with computers, I've noticed that I have problems wearing my contacts. It got so bad that I didn't wear my contacts at all for a year. My eyes get very dry, irritated, and sore when I try to wear them and use the computer.

However, in my line of work, I spend 10 - 12 hours a day, 7 days a week in front of the computer.

Has anyone else had problems from using computers? Also, has anyone who uses computers extensively had lasik? What kinds of side-effects have you noticed?

Thanks a lot!

giJ

joy · 12-16-2000, 12:22 PM

I too had the same problems with contacts on the computer. The reason, I believe, is you don't blink that much when you are looking [staring]at the screen and your eyes get very dry. I just had Lasik on one eye, and because of a small abrasion am having the other eye done in a week [monovision like my contacts]. The eye that was done is great now [distance eye] but is dry in the mornings so I use Bion drops and gel at night. Contacts are tough doing computer work. I'm so glad I had the Lasik.

Quote:

Originally posted by giJ:
I have worn glasses for about 15 years, and contacts for about 12 of those years. However, since I started working with computers, I've noticed that I have problems wearing my contacts. It got so bad that I didn't wear my contacts at all for a year. My eyes get very dry, irritated, and sore when I try to wear them and use the computer.

However, in my line of work, I spend 10 - 12 hours a day, 7 days a week in front of the computer.

Has anyone else had problems from using computers? Also, has anyone who uses computers extensively had lasik? What kinds of side-effects have you noticed?

Thanks a lot!

giJ

Starmartyr · 12-28-2000, 07:54 AM

Your problem is caused by the lack of blinking while on the computer. If you decide to wear contacts while on the computer, take breaks, or keep a bottle of rewetting drops near for constant use. DO NOT USE VISINE OR B&L's EYEDROPS FOR COMPUTER USERS(even the B&L reps laugh at this product). These will only cause you more problems with your contacts.

As for the other post about Lasik monovision, the problem with monovision is depth perception, and it is scary to know people are driving with this procedure. You can see really good out of one eye for distance, but the other eye cannot focus far, therefore it is risky. May not be for you, but people who have poor eyesite that has this done shouldn't drive without corrective glasses, or a contact on the nearvision eye. And your doctor may say it's ok, but that's his money talking. Try it! Try driving with just that distancevision eye open, close the other. Do you feel safe now? Neither do I driving on your blindside. I not being an *** , I'm just bringing light to a problem most people are not aware exists with monovision.

shira · 12-31-2000, 03:09 AM

i also think the blinking is the problem. i wear contact lenses but don't have any problems (but i don't spend hours in front of my computer).
i suggest you ask your doctor to check the ability of your eyes to create tears. it is a rather simple procedure.
you can also use drops to prevent dryness. my doctor advised me not to use any kind of drops - while wearing contact lenses - other than saline.
as for the long hours in front of the computer - i once read somewhere that you should turn your eyes away from the computer, every 10 minuts, and focus on an object far from you, and look at it for about 8 seconds. beside that, taking a real break, every hour or so, can be very helpful.