Computer Eye Strain

by Dennis
(Long Beach, CA US)

Do run across any info on Macular Degeneration and computer usage?

On best usage practices and aids before loss of vision and low vision aids and usage as vision decreases? Thanks for your very helpful emails.

REPLY

Hi Dennis,

Computer eye strain has become much more prevalent as most of us spend hours on the computer every day. I have not found any information that links computer usage with macular degeneration - but long hours using our near vision is hard on our eyes. There are certain habits we should follow when we are on the computer as well as some eye exercises.

Computer Eye Strain

There are several vision aids to help someone with macular degeneration use the computer. Find out more here:

Computer Low Vision Aids

Kind Regards,

Leslie

Computer Eye Strain and Fatigue

by Andrew
(Saskatoon, Canada)

Hi,

Is there any evidence that eye fatigue can have a detrimental affect on the advancement of dry type AMD?

I am a 56 year old male with dry AMD. My eyes become extremely fatigued from eyestrain when working for too long in front of a computer, watching a concert in dim lighting, or reading.

Glasses don't help much. The whites of my eyes become bloodshot and I often develop headaches.

Is this something that I need to avoid to risk accelerating the progression of the AMD, or is it something where I can base my decision purely on the level of discomfort I can live with.

Answer

Although there is no research we are aware as of yet on computer eye strain and macular degeneration, we feel chronic eyestrain can contribute to any eye pathology due to eyestrain reducing the free flow of circulation and oxygen to the eyes.

There are studies now showing a relationship between computer eye strain, glaucoma and myopia for example.

Regarding macular degeneration, even though there can be a genetic component, a big part of the underlying cause of macular degeneration is the inability of the body to deliver essential nutrients needed for the retina to function properly.

This typically is due to poor circulation resulting in less oxygen and nutrients reaching the retina, and/or a lack of nutrients either due to poor diet or compromised ability to absorb nutrients.

Studies now show supplementing daily with astaxanthin, lutein and black current seed oil can help reduce eyestrain significantly.

For more information on research studies and computer eyestrain, go to Computer Eye Strain


We highly recommend as well taking regular breaks from the computer at least hourly to do 2-3 minutes of eye exercises including Palming.

You can get Dr. Grossman's free eye exercise booklet at Free Eye Exercises

Regarding macular degeneration, there are a number of nutrients that can help preserve vision such as lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxathin, taurine, gingko biloba, omega-3 fattys acids for example.

For more related macular degeneration studies, go to

Macular Degeneration Studies

Take Care,

Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.

Natural Eye Care