Posts Tagged ‘blink’

Techniques to Combat Computer Vision Syndrome?

Posted on June 30th, 2011 by David C

The Blink Now(TM) device encourages blinking subconsciously.

When I’m really concentrating on a project, I’m not thinking about blinking. Hours can pass before I even look away from the screen. Of course, this is really how computer vision syndrome becomes a problem, and I know I’m not alone. So how can I remind myself to take breaks—even blink? I took to the Web to see what I could find.

Some sites suggested that I use a timer, but I’m fairly certain my co-workers would not enjoy that. I found a few timers that featured a flashing-only option, but I wasn’t that impressed with them for the cost. I also think that continually resetting a time would be invasive to my workflow. Here’s what I found:

  • Protectyourvision.org stays open in the background and sounds an alert every 20 minutes. Then, once you click a button to start your “break,” the screen goes black to encourage eye rest. After 20 seconds, another 20-minute session starts. There’s even an “eyes gymnastics” section you can visit. I found the site to be pretty handy, simple and customizable, but it does require at least some engagement.
  • Dryeyezone.com offers a pop-up window with an eyeball that blinks every 10 seconds. I put it up in the corner of my monitor to see if I would blink more often, and I often noticed that I blinked right after the on-screen eye did. One drawback is that if you open another window over it, the eyeball will not be visible and is therefore useless.
  • Blink Now, similar to the eye above, this it’s a small, external screen that can attach to your monitor. The screen is a frequently blinking eye. I think it’s pretty innovative to present a schematic of an eyeball to subconsciously encourage more blinking. I will admit it’s a bit creepy to have an eye staring back at me, but it’s definitely worth it if I can avoid dry eyes and headaches.

Let me know what you think about the options presented above or any ideas you may have of your own.

File under: CVS | Tagged: , , , , , , ,
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The Early Show on CBS recommends VSP’s tips on easing eye strain in a digital world

Posted on August 5th, 2010 by Lisa P.

CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton was recently on “The Early Show” to discuss Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in a segment titled “How to Ease Your Computer Eye Strain.”

“It’s a new and growing condition that’s a byproduct of modern technology,” she said. “The most common symptoms are: eye strain, dry or irritated eyes, fatigue, and headaches.” Dr. Ashton not only provides the latest on a health problem that affects 70 percent of computer users, her recommendations on easing this strain are tips from VSP Vision Care:

  1. Blink Often: When looking at a computer or hand-held digital device, it’s common for you to blink two to three times less than you normally would. This can lead to “dry eye.” Blinking bathes your eyes in tears, and tears are naturally therapeutic for the eyes.
  2. The 20/20/20 Rule: When spending long periods in front of a digital device, every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away to allow your eyes to rest.
  3. Ensure Proper Lighting: Poor lighting often causes eye strain. To help ease the strain on your eyes, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum and position your desk lamp to shine on your desk, and not at you. Position your computer screen in a way that reduces reflections and glare from windows or overhead lights.
  4. Location of computer screen: Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.

For more information about computer-related vision problems visit the “My Eyes” tab on VSP’s Facebook page.

File under: CVS, eye health, Eye Safety, Technology | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Developing: Artificial muscle promises to restore the ability to blink, most likely will progress to winking ;-)

Posted on February 25th, 2010 by Vernon D.

eye blink illustrationVery interesting stuff. EPAM – Electroactive Polymer Artificial Muscle, is currently working its way to human implantation (within 5 years). From the article:

Surgeons from UC Davis Medical Center have demonstrated that artificial muscles can restore the ability of patients with facial paralysis to blink, a development that could benefit the thousands of people each year who no longer are able to close their eyelids due to combat-related injuries, stroke, nerve injury or facial surgery.

…

For people with other types of paralysis, the use of artificial muscles could someday mean regaining the ability to smile or control the bladder. Reanimating faces is a natural first step in developing synthetic muscles to control other parts of the body, said UC Davis otolaryngologist Craig Senders.

If you have the slightest interest in medical technology or just want to see how hard researchers are working – I HIGHLY recommend reading this article. Go humans!

Read full article HERE.

File under: eye health, Technology, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,
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