Although there are no universally agreed screening recommendations the general consensus on eye checks is that a comprehensive eye examination be undertaken every 1 to 2 years for people over 65 who have no risk factors.
Examples of those that should have a comprehensive eye screen more regularly or earlier include people who have a family history of glaucoma, are short sighted, diabetic, have had a previous eye injury, have used steroid treatments over an extended time or have hypertension.
Some common complaints of the eye include:
- Cataracts – the lens of the eye becomes cloudy
- Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the membrane covering the eye
- Glaucoma – a build-up of fluid inside the eye-ball
- Vision problems – like far or near sightedness.
If you have read down this far in the blog then you might be spending a long time using a computer and your eyes can become tired and your vision blurred.
Using a computer does not cause permanent damage to your eyes. However working on a computer is a demanding visual task that can cause eye discomfort. If you have an uncorrected vision problem, this can make computer use uncomfortable and can lead to blurred vision and eye strain.
Whenever you concentrate on a computer screen or watch television, you tend to blink less which can lead to your eyes drying out. This is made worse if you are in a dry environment, such as a heated or air conditioned office.
Prevention of eye strain:
You can help prevent dry eyes and minimize the risk of tired or sore eyes while reading or using a computer. Tips include:
- Take regular breaks
- Look around at objects that are at different distances
- Try to blink often.
If this doesn’t help, consult an optometrist to determine the underlying cause of the problem. Treatment may include drops, exercises or glasses.
