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Question:
I work with computers all day (nine hours) and I use the computer at home a lot and read books. How much damage am I doing to my eyes and how long would you recommend the use of computers?
Answer:
Working on computers or video display terminals (VDTs) will not permanently harm your eyes. However, when using a VDT for long periods of time, just as reading or doing other close work, you blink less than you normally would. This reduced rate of blinking makes your eyes dry, which may lead to the feeling of eyestrain or fatigue. It's worth reminding yourself to look away from the computer every 20 minutes or so to give your eyes a break. The target should be more than 10 feet away, and your "break" should last at least 20 seconds.
Answered by: Aaron Weingeist, MD
Categories: Eye Conditions; General Eye Health
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