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

Durrh...?

[g0at]

Holy Christ. Have you tried a) sleeping more and b) getting outside? Might be a place to start.

-b

Re:Durrh...?

[temojen]

Yup, his main symptom is lack of concentration, and he thinks it's his eyes? It's cronic sleep deprivation. 10 hours a night for a week, then 8-9 hours a night from then on should do wonders. It'd probably make him more productive in an 8 hour day than he was in 15.

Re:It's not just an environment issue

[coolgeek]

Starting with 20/20 vision as a teenager and seeing my vision degrade slowly to nearsightedness through my 20's I bought into a theory that staring at a fixed focal distance for extended periods somehow effects the muscles in the eyes. So when it came down to being unable to read street signs while driving unless I slowed to 15 MPH (at 37), I finally went to the optometrist.

There I was told a few things. First, my eye muscles were doing what they were supposed to do. Second, she told me people's eyes change over time. Various factors including diet, tear production and UV light (to name a few) contribute to macular degeneration. UV light is a especially a factor for me since I've lived in L.A. and the Southwest most of my life. I also have inadequate tear production so I have to use artificial tears once or twice a day. I also found out one of my lenses has a slight stigmatism which has become more pronounced as I have been aging.

My only advice: do not listen to a bunch of wannabe Optometrists/Opthamologists on /. Go spend the $50 on an eye exam. Consult a professional and follow their advice. Get a second or third opinion if you feel you need it. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, the exam will be absolutely priceless.

You can get some decent glasses at Costco for around $100 (depending on your prescription and options). Personally I go to the "good" optometrist with the modern gear and sidestep their sales pitch to sell me expensive glasses.

Here's some more info (which I did find by googling):

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/202_eyes.htm l

Re:Duals bad?

[Overly Critical Guy]

Does anyone else notice that usually the questions submitted to Ask Slashdot answer their own questions?

1.) This guy says he has vision problems.
2.) Then reveals that he only sleeps five hours a day.
3.) Then reveals over 15 hours are spent staring at one single surface.
4.) Then reveals a doctor has already told him what's going on.
5.) Then asks how he can relieve his eyes and regain his concentration.

For starters, how about sleeping more than five hours a day and not spending 15 hours straight staring at a single surface?