Computers, Long Hours and Vision Problems?

msid asks: "I have been computing for almost 10 years, starting back in 1996 when my father bought me my first computer. In the process, I fell in love with computers and got stuck with them. The last year though has been a real challenge for me. I sleep 5 hours, in average, per day and I spend more that 15 hours in front of my laptop's monitor (a 17" TFT Widescreen), either programming or reading. I have never had 'problems' with my vision up until now. Do you have a specific way of using light sources in your workspace? I have heard of special glasses for computer users. Should I use them or not?" "A week ago, I checked my eyes and I found 0.25 astigmatism in both of them. They told me that this is not necessarily a problem, and it is mainly due to the intensive computer work. The actual symptom is that I lose my concentration more easily now. Also, the lighting of the monitor is killing me, especially when combined with a white background. Since I am willing to continue working in the same pace that I do now, what do you propose? Is there a habit that you follow to relax your eyes? Is there a way of preventing vision problems?"

Comments

here's one article...

[yagu]

I can't vouch for this, but it's interesting information -- why aren't you googling?

Key quote from above article:

"There isn't good research that says it causes permanent damage, but even temporary symptoms are worth noting," said Ticho.

For the record, I've been using computers for LONG hours for over twenty years and haven't noticed any deterioration in my ability to sads lkjasl llksdkl!

You're getting older

[defile]

The machine's wearing out.

Accept it.

All excellent questions....

[Rolan]

...for your opthamologist.

mr. magoo

[hosecoat]

the main problem with using computers for 10 years is that, invariably, your eyes age 10 years.

Re:It's not just an environment issue

[HolyCrapSCOsux]

It is always well-agreed upon that the best therapy is to never do the same thing for too long.

I tried to tell that to my wife...

She didn't talk to me for 2 days... that IS theraputic!

I HAVE THE SOLUTION!

[Spy der Mann]

Your problem is that your body isn't accustomed to being in front of the computer so long.

But don't worry! I have a friend who might help you - he found out how to stay connected 24-hours a day! Log in at the CC network's BBS, and ask for Tsukasa. Good luck!

P.S. There are some side effects of using his method, but don't worry too much about it, you won't even feel them. :) Oh yeah, and beware of the cat.

Re:It's not just an environment issue

[Anonymous Coward]

When I first got AOL ~1994 and sat down for about 1 hour of computing, my eyes were sower and red. my eyes adjusted after a few days, but im not sure if thats for the better.

That's normal with AOL. It's just your body coping with trauma.

Re:Duals bad?

[NitsujTPU]

Yeah, the one that sticks out in my mind is "Hi, I work for a government contractor and want root access to our new cluster. Can Slashdot help me justify this to my company as somehow necessary?"

Re:It's not just an environment issue

[Art Tatum]

You can as well get someone to watch over your shoulder and tell you when you have been spending too much time on the computer and offer to assign other tasks to you for a moderate fee

Ah, a wife.