Eye Strain From Computers - The $2 Billion Secret

Eye strain from computers affects 50%-90% of computer workers, of which there are 100 million, according to the American Optometric Association. 10 million primary eye care exams are provided annually in this country at a cost of $2 billion primarily because of visual problems caused by eye strain from computers. This number does not include anyone outside the workforce like students, people at home, children, and so on.

In 20 years we have gone from a printed to a pixellated mode of getting and receiving information. From print to computer screens, Blackberries, texting, Kindles, other digital handheld device. Our eyes, naturally, are struggling to keep pace with these new and different demands.

Reading digitally IS different from reading print. Pixels are brighter in the middle and fuzzier at the edges, print is like a solid line to the eyes. It's a whole new visual ball game.

Looking at a computer is different than reading. When we are working on the computer our eyes focus on the screen. But they cannot sustain that focus so they relax to a point somewhere behind the screen (technically called the RPA or Resting Point of Accommodation). Then they strain again to refocus on the screen.

This constant flexing is what causes eye strain from computers. It's not surprising as most of us have only started working with computers in the last 15 years. The name for this new malady is CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome).