• The iris (the pigmented part)
• The cornea (a clear dome over the iris)
• The pupil (the black circular opening in the iris that lets light in)
• The sclera (the white part)
• The conjunctiva (a thin layer of tissue covering the front of the eye, except the cornea)
Just behind the iris and pupil lies the lens, which helps to focus light on the back of the eye. Most of the eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous. Light projects through the pupil and the lens to the back of the eye. The inside lining of the eye is covered by special light-sensing cells that are collectively called the retina. The retina converts light into electrical impulses. Behind the eye, the optic nerve carries these impulses to the brain. The macula is a small extra-sensitive area within the retina that gives central vision. It is located in the center of the retina and contains the fovea, a small depression or pit at the center of the macula that gives the clearest vision.
Numerous studies showed that when using the computer, our eyes strain more than recommended. Luckily, this cannot cause more serious eye damaging, especially if we keep up with certain precautions.
Being in front of a computer screen has become an inevitable part of people’s lives. According to a report from 2004, 143 million people in USA had used computers on a daily basis, including 54 million children. Computers surely ease our jobs and add to the efficiency, but they influence our health and wellbeing.
As stated in the research conducted by the American Optometric Association, 70 to 75 percent of people who use computers, experience eye problems and this condition is known as Computer sight syndrome, and each year, the number of new cases increases for a million. This syndrome is defined as eye straining combined with prolonged computer use.
Studies showed that while using the computer, the frequency of blinking decreases even 5 times, and rare and incomplete blinking can cause dryness, redness and eye irritation due to the quicker evaporation of the tear film. Therefore, there are numerous measures that both employers and employees can undertake so that the symptoms can be lowered or prevented, and eye examination is crucial.
Eye straining is caused by the intensive light coming from outward or inside. While being in front of a computer screen, ambient lighting should be half of what is used in most of the offices. You need to eliminate the outward light by pulling the curtains or blinds, as well as adjust the lighting in the room by using few bulbs or fluorescent sticks. If possible, you can adjust the computer screen so that the outward light comes from the side.
Additionally, ophthalmologists advise that you need to look away from the computer screen every 30 minutes and focus the view on remote objects around 20 seconds. Also, you need to focus 5 seconds on close and 5 seconds on remote objects, around 10 times.
