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Computers and Eyesight - ClarkNight - 10-11-2014 12:56 PM
In reply to people asking about eyestrain, computer use.
Dr. Bates states that reading fine print up close improves both close and far vision. This has been my experience. BUT; he meant reading on real paper in natural light; sunlight. Also taught to read in dim light, but natural as possible dim light.
In primitive times people also used the eyes up close; making cloths, tools, baskets, sorting the food supply, creating shelter, cooking. The ladies did a lot of this close work. Did all the women folk go blind from this? No.
The computer is different;
1 - It gives an illusion of 3-D (depth, distance) but we are really looking at one flat surface. Note that even print on paper has a difference of distance between the print and the paper its placed on. Tiny, but its there. Same for the wood fibers in the paper. Computer screen does not have this. Result; tenses, confuses the brain. The tension can travel to the eyes causing strain.
Some people state that one eye has become dominant up close after hours on the computer. This imbalances the vision. Imbalance can lead to a slight imperfection in the eyes convergence, divergence, accommodation, un-accommodation resulting in imperfect vision. Its possible to have one eye clearer for far and the opposite for close. A dominant eye and less clear eye is common and harmless; just practice a bit more Bates stuff with the less clear eye to bring it back to equal clarity with the dominant best vision eye.
We need to look at all distances; far, middle, close and all in between to keep full motion of the eyes, lens. 5-10 hr a day looking at one flat surface is not natural.
About 2 years ago I bought the new large flat screen computer monitor. My old monitor was the type that had the glass cover over the screen. I never had a problem with my eyes using these old monitors.
When I changed over to the new flat screen I liked the size, more work could be done, faster... but; my eyelids started stinging a lot the first hour of use. I thought; no way could it be this new monitor! No way!! But it kept happening each time I tried to use it.
I thought about it and only conclusion was; its some kind of light or pixels... from the monitor that's not geared natural enough or its because there is no glass cover over the screen.
The old monitor's glass cover acted as a mirror; my screen always had reflections of the window and trees, houses in the distance.
So about 2 years ago I tried this idea and have not had any uncomfortable eyes since;
I placed a thin piece of clear hard plastic over the monitor screen. Right against it. This acts much like a mirror reflecting the distant objects right onto my computer screen; an effect of almost real 3-D. Not as perfect as looking at the true objects without the mirror but close to it.
[attachment=173] [attachment=174]
I asked my vision teacher why my eyes continue to converge, diverge when looking at objects in a mirror same as when not using a mirror; he says its scientific, to do with optics.
If you look close at a real object; a flower... you are still getting 3-D; depth, distance between the pedals in front, back, texture...
But a flower in the computer is an illusion of 3-D, there is no real distance.
Adding the plastic cover brings some almost perfect real 3-D on the screen as it reflects other objects in your environment. Feel your eyes diverge as you switch to, look at one of the reflections. Shift on it. That looking close at artificial 3-D all day is broken up, allowing the eyes to move and relax.
I note that even when not looking at the objects on the plastic reflection; my peripheral still picks it up. So both; looking at the reflections and just the fact that they are there in my entire visual field prevents strain.
This is not a perfect solution but it makes a difference.
Pros; already stated above.
Cons;
#1; The plastic does not contain a prescription, but; its still not perfect for the eyes-vision because its like looking through glass. Kind of like eyeglasses with no prescript. All glass, plastic prevents perfectly natural vision function.
#2; The plastic must be flat. If it contains waves, scratches.. it will be like looking through wavy glass. That can cause astigmatism. (kind of like those cheaply constructed drug or 99 cent store + plus glasses but with no prescription.)
So; if possible find a flat strong plastic or glass cover. But not too thick. Thin is best because; the thicker the glass, the less natural it is.
I seal it right onto the screen. No space between the screen and plastic. (Not sure if this no space is mandatory. I see some new monitors with glass covers and might have space or not.) Must also be clear. No tinting, colors.
I also place a mirror on my wall behind me for extra reflection on days the monitor is turned in a direction that does not reflect my window. Also look to the distance out on the porch often. Mirrors on left, right sides of the monitor also help. And full spectrum light.
(I also like the old tvs and went back to them.)
Mary I. Oliver - 40 years practice, teach Natural Eyesight Improvement.
Ophthalmologist Bates BETTER EYESIGHT MAGAZINE with Translator, Speaker, FREE Bates Method Natural Vision Improvement Training, E-books, Videos Here; http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info
I will try to post more in future.
Main problem I have with computer use is tight neck, shoulder, head and face muscles. But I have neck, spine injuries so this may not apply to everyone.
Incorrect posture is a main cause of tension, unclear sight. Looking down to type tenses the neck... Tension in the neck, shoulders can effect the eyes, eye muscles, vision.
http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id24.html
http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id26.html
http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id67.html
http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id27.html