Carrots - What do you know Question 3

Do carrots really help your vision or is this just a wives tale?

Yes they do help vision. In addition to the large amount of beta carotene that carrots contain, they also contain Vitamin A which is need in the retina of the eye. They promote better eye health and they also help with night vision.

Driving Aids for Older People

I couldn't find that it is actually out yet, but I read about an option that will be available in cars from General Motors. The technology is a new windshield that uses lasers, infrared sensors and a camera to help objects stand out that might go unnoticed.

The example they gave was during foggy conditions, a laser projects a blue line on the windshield that follows the edge of the road. It will be interesting to see how this develops. Maybe that those who are not so old could benefit from this technology as well.

Things to Think About Regarding Computer Vision Syndrome

Lastly, distance from the screen plays a part in Computer Vision Syndrome. Work at a distance that is comfortable. If you are staining to read what is on the screen this can create the computer vision syndrome for you. Also be aware that if you wear glasses, you may need to get glasses that work for your computer distance, especially if you are wearing bifocals.

Straining to not only see what is on the screen but to understand what you are reading can strain the eyes. So if you find yourwelf really concentrating intently to understand something that you are reading, stop and give your eyes a break.

More on Computer Vision Syndrome

One of the problems that occurs with many computer screens is that they are either too high or too low. Hence, you are looking more upward or more downward. This can result in some the physical symptoms of neck and back ache.

The screen should be at a comfortable height for you to look directly at it. The ideal placement is so that the top of the screen is at eye level. This is so that you look in the ideal gaze angle of 10-20 degrees below the eye. This keeps the eye from getting dried out from looking upward where the eye is more wide open.

Treatment for Computer Vision Syndrome

Yesterday I talked about the eye specifically and things you could do. Today, I'm going to talk about the environment. One of the things you can do is to adjust your monitor to its highest resolution. This will make looking at the screen more comfortable for your eyes. While the clarity is better with the high resolution, it may make the font too small to read easily, so you may have to adjust the font size.

Next, remove lamps or lighting that produce glare on the computer screen. Natural light is best, but this is often not an option in many offices. Remove the direct light sources or install blinds, screens or shades to remove the glare from the screen. This can be done with an anti-reflection computer screen.

More tips tomorrow on dealing with computer vision syndrome.

Computer Vision Syndrome

You have probably heard that you should look away from your computer every 10 minute for about 20 seconds or so. While you do this you should blink forcefully several times to help keep your eyes moist. You can also use some liquid tears to help keep the eyes moist or use a humidifier in the room where you are working. Keep in mind that many work places are exceptionally dry and may make this problem worse.

When you look away from the computer, don't consider looking at a document that you are typing as looking away. My computer is near a window, so I look out at the trees and houses across the street. I also sometimes just close my eyes for a few seconds to give them a rest. This also helps lubricate them as well. I am a contact wearer, so my eyes tend to be dryer than most people, so I use wetting solution to keep them moist if I am going to be at the computer for many hours.

Eye Health

One of the biggest challenges for our eyes these days is the use of computers. I'm sure you have experienced what I have after spending long hours in front of the computer. Sometimes we just call it eye strain, but it has gotten a more formal title these days, that is Computer Vision Syndrome.

Some of the symptoms you may experience are dry, irritated, red eyes and eye fatigue. Computer Vision Syndrome is actually much more prevalent than carpel tunnel syndrome in computer users. We've all seen the ergonomic key boards and mice, but no one really talks a lot about the visual problem which is more prevalent.

Some of the other symptoms that you can experience are blurred distant or far vision, headaches, neck and back aches, and double vision.

Over the next few days I'll be talking about how to relieve some of the symptoms and help your eyes if you use the computer for many hours a day.