Avoiding Computer Eye Strain [aboutcomputer99.blogspot.com]

Avoiding Computer Eye Strain [aboutcomputer99.blogspot.com]

Shown two photos of a person taken from different angles, most people will immediately recognize them as the same person. But it's not that easy for a computer because their brains are not as flexible as human brains. Teaching computers to see more like humans is the job of Alan VanNevel and his team of scientists at a Navy Research Lab in Chino Lake. They've created some amazing pattern recognition programs - using math. "If we had an image of your face we'd have some numbers that represent your eyes and your nose and your chin, and we take all of those together and then use those to say, 'hey it's a face that we're looking at," explains VanNevel.

aboutcomputer99.blogspot.com Computer Vision: Teaching Machines to Recognize Images

Working on a computer for hours at a time can cause your eyes to feel strained. This condition is labeled as computer vision syndrome (CVS). It occurs with prolonged staring at a computer for too long. Symptoms of computer generated eye strain include blurred vision, headaches, and a sense of strained or tired eyes. Staring at a computer for lengthy periods of time can also result in excessive dryness of the eyes, because you simply do not blink as often as you would otherwise.

To counteract computer vision syndrome many experts recommend that you follow the following simple procedures:

1) The Two-Foot Rule

Don's sit too close to your monitor. The eye muscles require greater contraction as the image you are looking at becomes closer. Instead, sit a comfortable 25 inches away from your computer screen. Tilt your computer screen so that you look slightly downward. This will also prevent neck strain.

2) Take periodic breaks

A good rule of thu mb is to look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. At a viewing distance of 20 feet your focusing eye muscles are completely relaxed and do not need to contract to focus. This is why vision is tested at a distance equivalent to 20 feet. Blinking frequently will also prevent excessive dryness of your eyes. Some experts also recommend deep breathing for overall relaxation.

3) Minimize glare

Glare can cause the pupils to constrict when proper focusing needs them to be wide open and large. Glare can come from overhead lighting, a desk lamp that is pointed at your computer screen, or a bright window reflecting off the computer screen. Many experts recommend that the light in your workplace be close in intensity to the light from your computer screen. Using shades, blinds or curtains may help you avoid unwanted direct light. Some stores offer anti-glare screens that may be helpful in some circumstances.

4) Validate your prescription

A pres cription for eyeglasses or contact lenses that is too strong for nearsighted individuals or too weak for farsighted individuals can contribute to eye strain when working on a computer. Some individuals may need a special eyeglasses prescription for computer work. A visit to your local eye specialist can help determine if your prescription is right for you.

5) Lubrication and moisture

Your eyelids are like windshield wipers that distribute natural tears across the surface of your eye when you blink. Reduced blinking when staring at a computer causes the eyes to become dry. Working in an air conditioned room or a dry environment may also add to the problem. To counteract the tendency for dryness when working intently on a computer, it is a good idea to remember to blink frequently. Artificial lubricating moisture eye drops may be useful. Some computer users find a desktop humidifier to be helpful.

Staring at a computer for hours at a time can cause eye strain that many experts refer to as computer vision syndrome (CVS). The five tips presented in this article may help you work comfortably and become more productive when spending hours at a time while working on a computer.

Find More Avoiding Computer Eye Strain Topics

Question by : Is there an eyewear to combat computer vision syndrome? I use a computer monitor 40 hours a week and suffer from headaches and blurry vision. Is there an eyewear I can use to help me reduce these symptoms? Best answer for Is there an eyewear to combat computer vision syndrome?:

Answer by Tom
There is a new product called Nikon Online - it is a digital office lens and can be fully customized to suit your eyes.

Answer by Marisa G
I'm not sure about specific eyewear, but there are some strategies that you can take to alleviate computer vision syndrome: # Breaks are important! Short, frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent breaks. Try 2-3 minutes every 15-20 minutes, 5 minutes every 30 minutes, or 10 minutes every hour. # Do eye exercises and acupressure massage points every hour on the computer Learn more: http://www.naturaleyecare.com/videos.asp # Set up your computer correctly. The proper viewing distance is 20-24 inches. The correct viewing angle is 10 to 20 degrees from the midscreen to the top of the screen. # Use a good monitor. Usually the higher the resolution (the more pixels) the better. Higher refresh rates (flicker speeds) are preferred, at least 70 Hz. # Use proper posture. This includes a tucked in chin, slight curve at the neck rather than a forward head and neck, a straight upper back with only a slight roundedness, and hollow in the low back. # Make sure overall illumination of the room is no more than three times brighter than the screen. Be aware that anti-reflection screens reduce illumination. # Adjust screen brightness and contrast properly. # Use a desk lamp if possible instead of an overhead light. # Control glare from overhead lights and uncurtained windows. Use an anti-glare screen, or move your terminal to an area of limited glare. # If you work in a cubicle, try to give it a feeling of more expansiveness by, for example, placing a mirror on one of the walls to create the illusion of more space. # Humidity helps - if your room's is dry, get a humidifier, especially in the winter. A note about conventional eyewear: If you wear reading glasses when working on the computer, have your doctor test your vision at the distance of the length of your arm, rather than closer. This is the distance you want to be from the screen.

[vision computers]