Computer Eye Strain and Dry Eye Can Cost You Money, Productivity and Your Vision

If your eyes often bother you after a couple of hours at the computer, you are not alone. Computer eye strain, a form of dry eye disease, has become one of the most common reasons for eye doctor visits.

Eye health advocate Sharon Kleyne cautions that computer eye strain symptoms should never be ignored. Mrs. Kleyne is host of the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water syndicated radio show, and founder of Bio-Logic Aqua Research.

Sharon Kleyne notes that the tear film of the eye is 99% water and that computer eye strain symptoms usually result from tear film water evaporation. Symptoms include tired, burning or itchy eyes, blurred vision, headaches, poor sleep and elevated stress. The good news, Mrs. Kleyne says, is that with a few common-sense precautions, including the following tips, computer eye strain can be relieved and even prevented.

1. Have an annual professional eye exam.

2. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

3. Eat eye healthy foods (dark green leafy vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids), exercise and fresh air regularly, and get sufficient sleep.

4. Keep a hand-held air humidifier, plants and/or an open container of water near your desk. Because the air is dry, adding water (moisture) to the air reduces dry eye and natural water evaporation due to dehydration.

5. Sip water while you work. Pour bottled water into a glass before drinking.

6. Try to blink more often, taping a reminder to the computer if necessary. When working at a computer screen, your eyes’ blink rate can drop from 30 times per minute to three times per minute, which increases tear film water evaporation.

7. Exercise your eye muscles by looking around the room at varying distances several times per hour (Take breaks away from your desk – outdoors if possible. Crack (or open) a window to let in fresh, humid air (indoor air can be dry, stale and dehydrating).

8. Turn off lights that are too bright, especially fluorescent lights. Or switch to a desk lamp.

9. Periodically throughout the day, moisturize the air around your eyes with a pH balanced (below 7.0), fine-mist eye spray.

The only all-natural, all-water, hand-held eye humidifying device with patented technology to supplement natural tear film water, is Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® from Bio-Logic Aqua Research, a sponsor of the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water.

© 2012 Bio-Logic Aqua Research

Tags: computer eye strain, dry eye, dry eye disease, eye doctor, tear film, vision

Computer Vision Syndrome and Computer Eye Strain

Benefits of Eye Misting for Computer Dry Eye

We know what you’re doing right now!

You’re looking at a computer screen, aren’t you?

And chances are, your eyes are not happy about it!

Computers and dry eye symptoms.

• Dry eye discomfort from computer use is a growing and increasingly urgent problem.
• Ophthalmologists call this “computer vision syndrome” (CVS), “computer eye strain,” “computer eye irritation” or “computer dry eye.”
• The computer dry eye problem is widespread, and potentially serious.
• Nearly every computer user experiences dry eye discomfort that could lead to loss of productivity, loss of income, and eventually, loss of eyesight

Do you have computer vision syndrome?

If you answer “yes” to question #1 and at least two others, you may be experiencing computer vision syndrome.

• Are you a “Computer Nerd” who uses a computer more than two hours a day?
• Do your eyes sometimes burn or itch?
• Are your eyes sometimes sensitive to light?
• Does your vision ever become blurry?
• Do your eyelids sometimes become heavy or tired during computer use, even though you’ve had plenty of sleep?
• Do you get headaches from using the computer?
• Do your shoulders sometimes feel tight while using the computer?
• Do you have frequent eye allergies?

Other causes of computer vision syndrome:

In addition to computers, several common office conditions could result in computer eye strain, tear film dehydration and dry eye symptoms.

• Forced-air heating and cooling.
• Synthetic chemicals (plastics, paint, cleaning fluids, etc).
• Insulated windows and walls.
• Fluorescent lighting.
• Stress.
• Low indoor humidity.
• Your diet.

Your eyes depend on the tear film.

• The highly complex “tear film” covering the eyes consist of water, oil, electrolyte, antibodies, protein and mucus. The tear film moistens, lubricates, oxygenates and protects the eyes; and forms a light transmitting surface that enables you to see.
• The tear film is 98% water. Every time you open your eyelids, you expose the tear film to evaporation and natural water loss.
• Dry eye symptoms occur when too much water evaporates from the tear film without replacement (this process is highly complex, also involving tear glands and brain messaging).
• More dry eye education
• More tear film education
• Computers accelerate tear film dehydration and water evaporation because:
  • They create or reflect glare and intensely bright light.
  • They are almost always indoors, which tends to be less humid than outdoors.
  • They cause a decreased blink rate (blinking replenishes the tear film), which may drop from 30-40 times a minute to three times a minute.
  • They contribute to brain and body stress, which is dehydrating.
• To re-hydrate dry eyes, simply add water to the dehydrated tear film!
  • Formulated eye drops are inconvenient to apply, excessively large in volume, contain little natural water and are not always effective.
  • Nature’s Tears EyeMist instantly and conveniently replaces lost tear film water.

Nature’s Tears EyeMist.

To supplement tear film water and minimize dry eye symptoms, mist your eyes frequently with Nature’s Tears EyeMist. With no dosage limit, all-natural Nature’s Tears EyeMist may be applied whenever computer dry eye symptoms are experienced. Always keep Nature’s Tears EyeMist beside your computer (and combine it with a complete daily hydration program that includes drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day).

Computer vision syndrome prevention tips:

• An eye care professional may prescribe special “computer glasses.”
• Keep a glass of water (And Nature’s Tears EyeMist) near your desk to help humidify the air.
• Drink bottled water while you work…but pour it into a glass first. Total daily water intake should be at least 8 to 10 glasses.
• Make a conscious effort to blink more often.
• Several times per hour, look around the room at objects of varying distances.
• Take scheduled breaks away from your desk (outdoors if possible).
• To reduce glare, position your computer so windows are at the side of your computer rather than in the front or back. Adjust window blinds accordingly.
• If possible, turn off fluorescent overhead lights and switch to a desk lamp.
• Attach a glare-blocking hood or filter to your monitor.
• Crack a window to let in humid air from the outside. Outdoor air is free of re-circulated bacteria and shed skin particles from co-workers, which enters via the heating/cooling system and can cause eye and skin dehydration.
• Set the REFRESH RATE on your monitor as high as you can (over 85). Use a flat-screen if possible. A low refresh rate (60 or less), on a cathode ray monitor, can cause dry eye, eye strain and headache.
• Take a shower every day that allow plenty of steam and water to penetrate your eyes, skin, breathing passages and lungs.
• Every couple weeks, take a long, luxuriant hot body bath with a cup of Epsom salt dissolved in the bathtub water. This will detoxify, lubricate and humidify dry eyes and skin, improve skin flexibility and benefit all part of the body.
• Keep your body fit: Reduce stress, establish a daily program of sleep, fresh air and exercise, control your weight, avoid sugar (which is dehydrating) and eat lots of dark green leafy vegetables (eye food).

Tags: computer eye strain, computer vision syndrome, Computers, dry eye, eye misting

The Dangers of Pet Dry Eye

“Dry eye in humans is often environmentally related and has become the number one reason for United States eye doctor visits. Pets are subject to the same environmental conditions and are far more prone to eye injuries and diseases, including cat and dog dry eye. As a pet “parent,” monitoring your dog or cat’s eye health is critical. Eyes should always be kept moist and, of course, you must make sure your dog or cat eats properly and drinks enough water.”

Sharon Kleyne, syndicated radio talk show host*

The state of eye care in pets.

According to Animal Eye Care, which runs 39 ophthalmology clinics for pets, dogs and cats are subject to numerous eye diseases. The list on their website includes blepharitis, eye injuries, cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, eyelid masses and glaucoma.

Sharon Kleyne, entrepreneur, water and health advocate, and host of the Sharon Kleyne Hour -Power of Water syndicated radio talk show, points out that nearly all of these eye diseases are either the result of pet dry eye (a disease characterized by insufficient water content in the protective natural tear film covering the eye), or have pet dry eye as a side effect (Pet dry eye often results from diet and/or medication).

She reiterates what many veterinarians are discovering – that treatment of these diseases will be far more effective if you simultaneously treat for cat or dog dry eye.

Cat and dog dry eye.

Sharon Kleyne’s research has discovered that eye dehydration and dry eye disease among humans are more widespread than commonly reported (nearly every human suffers from occasional dry eye symptoms and it usually goes undiagnosed). “If dry eye is under-diagnosed among humans,” says Mrs. Kleyne, “the condition is almost unrecognized among professional pet care experts – despite the fact that the incidence of dry eye may be even greater among dogs and cats than among humans.”

“The good news,” according to Mrs. Kleyne, “is that there are many ways pet owners can be proactive in monitoring their pet’s eyes to keep them hydrated and healthy.

(Note: Because of the “third eyelid” membrane, a normal dog or cat eye is slightly better protected and better moisturized than a human eye. But because pets are exposed to far more high risk situations, their eyes are more subject to injuries and infections.)

Dry eye symptoms

Pet dry eye in is closely linked to conjunctivitis, red eye, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and corneal ulcers. Symptoms may include: (1) redness of the white part of the eye, (2) eyelid inflammation, (3) frequent eye infections and dripping, (4) lack of “shine” in the eyes or a noticeable thickening or unevenness of the tear film’s usually invisible lipid (oil) component, (5) indications of eye discomfort such as frequent squinting, blinking or pawing at the eyes, (6) unusual dryness of the fur and/or mouth.

Environmental risk factors include; (1) living in an extremely dry or desert climate, (2) frequent exposure to wind, cold and solar radiation, (3) frequent exposure to dirt (very common among dogs), dust, smoke or chemical fumes, (4) prolonged exposure to climate controlled indoor environments such as forced-air heating and cooling and insulated walls and windows.

High risk dog breeds: bulldogs, cocker spaniels, lhasa apsos and west highland white terriers.

Suggestions for pet eye care, including cat and dog dry eye.

• Control exposure to high risk situations.
• Inspect your pet’s eyes frequently, watching for symptoms described above and for symptoms of other eye diseases.
• See your veterinarian if your pet shown any symptoms of any eye disease, including dry eye.
• For mostly indoor pets, make sure their home is well-humidified. Open windows, have lots of plants around, set out bowls of water or purchase a room humidifier.
• Make sure your pet is well nourished and drinks enough water every day.
• Apply Nature’s Tears EyeMist several times a day to maintain natural tear film water content and also to keep fur well hydrated. This routine can prevent or alleviate dry eye and help reduce dry eye as a side effect of other diseases.

Suggestions for pet watering.

Pets vary in the amount of water they like to drink and getting them to drink more can be a challenge. Do not assume that they will drink the exact right amount of water “by instinct.”

• Pets should drink one cup of water per day for every 10 pounds of weight.
• Follow the recommended diet for your pet’s species, age, weight, state of health and lifestyle.
• Water sitting in a bowl all day can become contaminated and also lose oxygen and therefore taste.
• Change water bowl frequently or purchase a pet watering device.
• Don’t let pets drink from puddles or lakes.
• Add water to your pet’s food.
• Offer them water occasionally – especially after activity.
• Pets require more water if they are ill.

*Don’t miss the Sharon Kleyne Hour – Power of Water Mondays at 10 a.m. PST/PDT. The syndicated show may be heard on Voice America/World Talk Radio, Green Talk Radio and Apple iTunes. Go to www.SharonKleyneHour.com for summaries and replays of past shows.

Online Sources:

WebMD for pets, PetMD, Animal Eye Care, Free Drinking Water, eHow, Hugs Pet Products..

© 2011 Bio-Logic Aqua Research All Rights Reserved

Tags: dry eye, eye care, pet dry eye, pets

Tips to Prevent Computer Eye Strain and Computer Dry Eye

Since March, 2007, the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water radio talk show has interviewed numerous guests who offered tips to prevent “computer eye strain” (also called “computer vision syndrome,” “CVS,” or computer eye strain). Symptoms are experienced by a surprisingly large percentage of people who work at computers.

Computer eye strain and dry eye symptoms should never be ignored. Dry eye symptoms could lead to chronic dry eye, eyelid inflammation, corneal ulceration, impaired vision and numerous eye diseases. Symptoms include red, burning and itchy eyes, blurred vision, eye twitching, headaches and impaired sleep.

Vision care experts agree that the #1 tip to prevent or minimize computer eye strain is educating yourself about the problem. The #2 tip is taking personal responsibility to proactively implement the eye care tips described below.

The #3 tip for keeping eyes all-naturally wet, moist and humid is to always have Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® near your computer. Apply as often as desired without the inconvenience of eye drops (Eye drops, applied too frequently, can flood and wash away the eye’s natural tear film. See www.naturestears.com and click on “Dry Eye”). Nature’s Tears EyeMist, a personal hand-held eye humidifying device, is all-natural tissue culture water, pH balanced and 100% safe.

Tips to prevent and minimize computer eye strain.

In addition to preventing computer eye strain and dry eye, many of these tips help prevent other computer related conditions such as gout, allergies, carpal tunnel syndrome and weight gain (abdominal swelling).

• Keep an all natural, 100% water eye mist beside your computer. Whenever you feel eye discomfort, mist the air in front of your eyes for two seconds. Sharon Kleyne recommends Nature’s Tears EyeMist for this, available on www.Amazon.com or www.naturestears.com.
• Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day and drink water from a glass while you work.
• Keep a bowl of water or a plant near your desk to humidify the air. Crack a window to let in fresh, humid air from the outdoors (forced-air heating and cooling re-circulates dehydrating bacteria and skin flora).
• “Eye Healthy” diet choices include dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, arugula, broccoli leaves), foods with omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flaxseed oil) and carrots.
• While working, avoid dehydrating substances such as alcohol, coffee, energy drinks, refined sugar products and cigarette smoke.
• Avoid staying up late at night on the computer if you will be working at a computer in the morning.
• Several times per hour, to relax and exercise your eyes, look around the room at objects of varying distances. Take scheduled breaks away from your desk, outdoors if possible.
• Make a conscious effort to maintain your blink rate (computer use can drop your reflexive blink rate from 30 to three times a minute). Tape the word “BLINK” on your monitor. The more you blink, the moister your eyes.
• Position your chair as high as possible with respect to the monitor. The resultant lowering of eyelids can drastically reduce tear film moisture evaporation.
• To reduce screen glare, position your computer so windows are at the sides rather than in front or back. Adjust window blinds so bright sunlight is away from screen and eyes. If possible, turn off fluorescent lights and use a less intense desk lamp.
• An eye care professional may prescribe special “computer glasses” or, for severe dry eye, moisture retaining eyeglass lenses.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors – solar radiation dehydrates the eyes.
• If you have a cathode tube monitor, consider attaching a glare-blocking hood or filter to the screen and set the “Refresh Rate” as high as you can (over 85).
• Take daily showers with plenty of steam and moisture penetrating eyes, skin and breathing passages. An occasional hot body bath with a cup of Epsom salt. Will benefit eyes and eyelids and reduces stress.
• Avoid stress and get adequate sleep and fresh air exercise. Poor sleep and elevated stress can be dehydrating and cause dry eye symptoms.

Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water.

Listen to the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water Mondays, 10 a.m., PST/PDT. The syndicated talk show is heard on Voice America/World Talk Radio, Green Talk Network and Apple iTunes. Go to www.SharonKleyneHour.com for podcasts of past shows or written summaries. Also visit www.naturestears.com, whatistheeye.wordpress.com, “Nature’s Tears EyeMist” on Facebook and “Bio-Logic Aqua” on Twitter. Sponsored by Nature’s Tears EyeMist.

© 2011 Bio-Logic Aqua Research

Tags: chronic dry eye, computer dry eye, computer eye strain, computer vision syndrome, eyelid inflammation, Sharon Kleyne Hour

Understanding Tear Film and Eye Hydration Could Prevent Dry Eye

Bio Logic Aqua Research is a premier water technology company, specializing in products that support moisture in the skin and eyes.

According to Sharon Kleyne, Founder of Bio-Logic Aqua Research, understanding eye hydration and the eyes’ all-important tear film and could help prevent dry eye disease.

Especially important is the environment’s role as a cause of dry eye.

Eye dehydration and tear film water loss can weaken resistance to bacterial and viral invasion, impair visual functioning and lead to numerous eye diseases and conditions.

Dehydration related eye conditions include itching and/or burning eyes, blurred vision, transient dry eye syndrome, severe dry eye syndrome, corneal ulceration, glaucoma, computer eye strain, eye allergies, eye cancers and more.

According to Sharon Kleyne, the incidence of eye dehydration and dry eye has dramatically increased in the past 20 years and is becoming a global health crisis. Much of the increase can be attributed to environmental factors.

Environmental factors that could dehydrate the eyes and tear film could include:

Indoor conditions such as forced-air heating and cooling and insulated walls and windows.

Lifestyle choices and personal habits that could contribute to eye dehydration include wearing contact lenses, prolonged computer use, participation in extreme sports (with lots of perspiration and exposure to heat and sun), caffeine and alcohol consumption, not drinking enough water, too much time spent indoors, cigarette smoking, medications, etc.

Exposure to smoke, dust, wind, extreme heat and cold and other outdoor conditions could also contribute to eye dehydration.

A major contributor to eye dehydration is global climate change because the tear film obtains much of its water from the surrounding humidity in the air. In many areas, the air in becoming dryer and the humidity lower. This lowers the potential for hydration from the air and increases tear film water evaporation.

Even where the air is not dry, the humidity could be contaminated by air pollution, creating dehydrating and unhealthy conditions.

Tags: Bio-Logic Aqua Research, dry eye, eye dehydration, eye hydration, eyes, moisture, Sharon Kleyne, skin, tear film

A Natural Approach to Eye Care

Michael Edson, MS (Naw Paltz, NY). Co-founder of Natural Eye Care (with Dr. Marc Grossman). “Natural approaches to macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, floaters, dry eyes, myopia and presbyopia.”

Michael Edson works with Dr. Marc Grossman in the field of natural eye care. He is trained in Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and also in Asian martial arts. He was in Beijing during the Tiananmen Square incident. He recently spoke with Sharon Kleyne on the Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water radio talk show.

Sharon wondered why the Chinese are so divergent from the West in their medical practice. Edson said there are many theories on how acupuncture originated but that they mostly were not in touch with western medicine or the Greek way of thinking (scientific method). They began to notice the effect of touching the body in various places and over thousands of years, a sophisticated system developed. They also pay attention to body color, smell and shape, and symptoms in the tongue and iris.

Eventually, this was boiled down to a theory of “meridians,” that energy flows through the body in channels or rivers. Water is important because it keeps the meridians flowing and also washes out waste (it must be pure water, not soda, juice, tea or coffee).

Edson practices aikido, which is a martial art emphasizing no winner or loser. When attacked, the objective is to neutralize the opponent to show them they can’t beat you, then negotiate the problem. Blows are redirected and the opponent is disabled. There is a strong spiritual aspect to this and negative energy is avoided.

Tai chi focuses on self healing and martial arts; karate is more internal with an emphasis on healing. People need to believe they have power and control over their own lives and that they are part of the Earth and their community. Martial arts can be very helpful with this.

Regarding health, Edson noted that quick fixes are usually not that effective and that most illness is caused by a chronic imbalance going back a long way. Disease can take years to develop and a lifestyle change can take years to correct the imbalance. Water, allergies and stress are all involved.

Regarding nutrition, everyone is different. The Eskimos require a lot of meat and fat, which are slow burning. Edson is against refined carbohydrates, which he says can cause autoimmune disease (and sugar is cancer causing).

Sharon noted that sodium may not be as bad as doctors would have you believe. It helps you retain water.

Mike talked about intestinal or digestive flora (bacteria), especially candida. An imbalance of digestive flora can lead to numerous diseases and allergies. “Probiotics” help to rebalance digestive flora. E coli is a common stomach flora as is lactobacillus.

Edson recommends a diet that is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. Meat and carbohydrates are acidic and acid can cause the release of inflammatory hormones.

Regarding meditation, the simplest way to get started is to buy a “guided meditation” tape. It promotes deep relaxation and activates lesser used parts of the brain.

Edson expressed concern that some children never experience a state of no stress. Both are needed to thrive – a “yin-yang” balance.

Regarding natural eye care, Edson recommends his website with Dr. Grossman, www.naturaleyecare.com. It lists many proactive measures you can take to promote good vision and healthy eyes. They also have a free booklet of eye exercises and acupressure points for the eye.

Tags: acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Marc Grossman, Michael Edson, Natural Eye Care, self healing, Sharon Kleyne

Allergy Eye Relief Education

The eye’s first line of defense against allergies is the complex and extremely thin tear film that covers the optical surface. Numerous environmental factors, from air pollution to air conditioning, can cause evaporation that result in slight, moderate or even severe tear film moisture loss (dehydration). This may be so slight that you don’t feel any symptoms. However, if you happen to be sensitive to allergens such as pollen, the allergic reaction will be more severe if your tear film is not functioning at full capacity. Bio Logic Aqua Technologies Biomedical Research Center has discovered that the best (and least expensive) way to mitigate the effect of allergens and other airborne irritants on the eyes is to pay attention to the health of your tear film.

An “allergy” may be defined as “an adverse immunological reaction to a substance that normally does not produce such a reaction.” Adverse reactions to things like pollen, mold spores and pet dander (called “allergens”), are an allergy because most people are not bothered by them. An adverse reaction to cigarette smoke or bee stings is not technically an allergy because nearly everybody reacts to them.

The typical allergic reaction produces symptoms in the eyes, breathing passages and skin. Some allergens only bother the eyes. This article will concern itself only with the effects of allergies on the eyes — even if the same allergy also affects other areas — and how to help defend the eyes not only against allergens but all airborne irritants.

It is common knowledge among specialists that allergy eye (especially pollen allergies) is worse in hot, dry weather and better in cool, humid weather. That is because many allergy eye symptoms result from dehydration of the tear film’s aqueous (water) layer, thereby creating an over-concentration of irritants and allergens. Reflex tearing tries to wash out these irritants and restore the tear film’s chemical and moisture balance. However, the reflex tears themselves may contain histamines and chemical imbalances.

Standard remedies such as eye drops and redness relievers may be ineffective against allergy eye because they can wash away the natural tear film, including the evaporation-slowing lipid layer. Chemicals in these products can create their own adverse reactions.

The best way to soothe allergy eye, and mitigate the effect of environmental challenges that dehydrate the tear film, is to emulate cool, humid weather by adding add pure, pH-balanced humidity to the air around the eyes. The humid mist will find its way into the tear film’s aqueous layer in just the right amount (two to five nanoliters) to help alleviate symptoms naturally and without harsh medicines, drops or chemical formulations.

Tags: allergy eye, Bio-Logic Aqua Technologies, tear film