Contact Lenses For Computer Users
Michael Wright
Most occupations today involve the use of computers. It is
estimated that over 143 million Americans use computers each
day, and of these around 88% suffer from computer related
discomforts. It is also estimated that over 54 million children
use computers every day, in schools and at home. As our eyes are
not suitable for continuously staring at the computer screen,
many have developed Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).
CVS is the number-one workplace disability, a collection of
muscle and eye-related symptoms, with over 75% of all computer
users suffering some form of this vision-related disorder. Even
people who normally wear glasses or contact lenses in their
routine lives find it difficult to focus for long hours on the
computer screens.
Contact Lenses For Dry Eyes
People concentrate a lot while working at their computers, and
blink less frequently. This can lead to severe discomfort for
contact lens users, as not blinking for longer periods can
cause the surface of their contact lenses to dry out. Dry eye
syndrome, due to lack of blinking in contact lens wearers, can
cause blurring and discomfort to them. According to studies,
computer users blink around three times less than they normally
should. For contact lens wearers, it is advisable that they
blink once every 4 to 5 seconds to keep their lens from drying.
Other than the lack of blinking, some types of contact lenses
can also cause dry eye syndrome. Generally, soft contact lenses
are made of polymers and water, with up to 70% water at times.
You feel comfortable as long as the lens is moist, but as the
day progresses the water evaporates. The lens absorbs the tears
from the eyes to remain moist, but leaves you with a feeling of
dry eyes. It is known that the more water the lens contains,
the more it is prone to lose its moisture.
As this is a serious problem with contact lens wearers, and
more so with those spending hours in front of the computer,
many manufacturers are constantly trying to produce contact
lenses that will be comfortable for people with dry eyes. One
way, it whas been found, is to reduce the water content of the
lens. Some people have responded well to the new hydrogel
contact lenses. Modern silicon hydrogel lenses are only about
30% water – which is much less than the 50% to 60% of
traditional lenses, and the 70% of soft contact lenses. In
addition, the new polymers used in the contact lenses keep the
lens moist.
Such contact lenses are a boon for computer users, as they will
help avoid dry eye syndrome.
Computer Users And Contact Lenses
Dry eye is a common disorder, caused by the deficiency of tears
in the eyes, or by excessive tear evaporation. Dry eyes are
associated with a number of causes, such as drug use,
inflammation, allergic reactions, and contact lens use. Dry
eyes often cause contact lens intolerance. People normally
suffering from mild dry eyes may not feel any discomfort until
they wear contact lenses, and the discomfort increases with the
hours spent in front of the computer.
Some doctors recommend switching to Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP)
contact lenses for those who spend hours working on the
computer with their dry eye syndrome. RGP contact lenses are
made from polymeric materials and do not contain any water.
This is unlike soft lenses, and so water will not evaporate
from their surface.
One major advantage of RGP contact lenses is that they do not
block oxygen flow to your corneas, as they are gas permeable.
This is healthy for your eyes as lack of oxygen can cause
serious eye problems, including inflammation of the cornea.
Another advantage is that as they contain no moisture, they do
not dry out. Therefore, they may be ideal for those working in
conditions, such as in front of their computers, where there is
a chance of dry eye syndrome.
A computer user with contact lenses with an ophthalmic
prescription for nearsightedness – that is for distant viewing
– may require either a separate set, or glasses, for extended
mid-range VDT use. There are lenses available with tints, to
reduce the glare of the VDT screens. The tints used by the
computer users can affect either the perceived brightness, or
the perceived color, or both.
Let us look at what you can do with your contact lenses to
combat your dry eye syndrome while working long hours on your
computer:
Use Re-wetting Drops – Though a temporary solution, it does
offer relief. If you have sensitive eyes, look for preservative
free drops.
Re-soak Lenses – After working for a few hours on your
computer, remove your contact lenses, soak them for a few
minutes and put them back. You will experience relief from
dryness symptoms, and will be able to continue for a few more
hours.
Cleaning Lenses – You need to take good care of your lenses, by
cleaning them properly. This will add to your comfort, as
protein deposits, and other build up such as lipids etc, can
contribute to dryness. Insert new lenses as often as
prescribed, or change to a better and stronger lens cleaning
system.
Increase Blinking – This is the most important thing you can do
if you spend many hours in front of your computer. Blinking
often, rewets the lenses and increases the comfort level. Lack
of proper blinking is the main reason for the dryness of eyes
of computer users. You need to make a conscious effort to blink
frequently.
Switch To Different Contact Lenses – If you wish, you can still
switch to a different brand of contact lenses. It is said that
effective contact lenses for computer users are those that are
made of the newer, more oxygen permeable silicone hydrogel
materials.
If you have dry eyes and your current contact lenses do not
feel too comfortable, There is no need to live with the
discomfort. You can consult your doctor and switch to ones that
will give you comfort while working on your computer.
About The Author: Michael Wright is a virtual authority on
http://www.contact-lenses-online-guide.com/Home.html . He also
writes articles about
http://www.contact-lenses-online-guide.com/Color_Contacts.html
Back To:
All Free Info about Eye & Ear Health
Choose Natural Health Site Map
Find More Free Natural Health Information
