Computer Vision

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Squinting at computer, tablet, or mobile screens for hours at a time is a normal part of our lives in the 21st century. Unfortunately, eye problems associated with this activity are also on the rise. Even if you have never had eye problems before, you may have noticed computer vision syndrome symptoms after two or more hours of screen time. Signs include:

    • Blurry vision
    • Eye strain and discomfort
    • Headaches
    • Dry, scratchy eyes
    • Neck and/or shoulder pain

Even if your symptoms are mild, they can worsen and cause other vision problems if not addressed. Our optometrists can help.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome

The severity and length of computer vision syndrome symptoms depends on how long you stare at the computer, your posture, lighting, glare, the angle of the monitor, and whether or not you have other diagnosed or undiagnosed vision problems. If you already suffer from astigmatism, farsightedness, presbyopia, aging eyes, and/or diabetic eye problems, your computer vision symptoms may worsen. This can even be the case if you already have prescription contacts or glasses. Many regular eyeglasses and contact lenses are not designed to deflect the problems caused by computer screens.

Our doctors will take your symptoms, pre-existing conditions, and potential undiagnosed conditions into account as he performs the following eye tests:

    • Visual acuity—Measures the quality of your current vision.
    • Refraction—Tests the potential lens prescriptions that would optimize your vision.
    • Focus and Eye Coordination—Tests how well your eyes work together and how quickly and accurately your eyes are able to focus on objects           and varying distances.

From these measurements, our doctors can design a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms. For people with otherwise normal eyes and vision, a set of specially-designed glasses used during the time you are working on the computer can be very helpful. For patients already wearing contacts or glasses, new, more computer-friendly prescriptions are available. In addition to these treatment options, there are many things we can suggest to cut down on computer eye strain problems:

    • Computer setup—Adjust your monitor so that it is about 15-20 degrees lower than your eye level when seated between 20-28 inches away from the screen. Reference materials can be placed on a document holder between the monitor and keyboard, or to the side, but positioned for as little head movement as possible. Also invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor to help reduce glare from surrounding lights. Be sure to sit and work with proper posture.
    • Adjust Lighting—If you can, reposition any lighting (or your computer) to minimize glare and use natural lighting whenever possible.
    • Eye Rest and Blinking Breaks—Every 20 minutes during your work, look away toward a distant point for 20 seconds to refocus your eyes, and give them a 15-minute break after each 2-hour computer session. Also remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.

With a combination of the proper optometry care and self-care, you can minimize computer eye syndrome and other modern-day vision problems. 

Contact us at 972-250-2020 for an appointment today and let us help you achieve clear and comfortable vision while working on the computer!

Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Dallas Office

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Meet the Doctors

Learn Who We Are

  • Brian D. Marshall, O.D., F.A.A.O.

    Dr. Brian Marshall is certified as a therapeutic optometrist and an optometric glaucoma specialist.  He has been in practice for over 20 years.  After graduating with honors from the University of Houston College of Optometry, he completed a residency in Cornea and Advanced Contact Lens Practice and later a fellowship in Refractive Surgery. 

  • Tina M. Marshall, O.D.

    Dr. Tina Marshall is certified as a therapeutic optometrist and an optometric glaucoma specialist. She have been in practice for over 13 years.  She earned her degree through the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts.

  • Courtney Cates,
    O.D.

    Dr. Courtney Cates is originally from Amarillo, Texas and received her Bachelor of Science degree from

    Texas A&M University. She then attended the prestige University of Alabama at Birmingham School of
    Optometry where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree and graduated with academic honors in
    2017.