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Tips to Minimize the Effects of Fluorescent Lighting & Computer Vision Syndrome at the Office
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Tips to Minimize the Effects of Fluorescent Lighting & Computer Vision Syndrome at the Office

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The wrong kind of lighting can really do a number on your productivity in the office, as well as your health. If you work indoors in an office setting, chances are you’re subjected to the glare of harsh fluorescent lighting every workday. This type of lighting is admittedly one of the most inexpensive lighting options but, over time, it has the unfortunate side-effect of causing headaches and fatigue in employees who are exposed to it regularly. This type of environment can even serve as a stimulus to bring on headache and migraine symptoms for chronic sufferers of these conditions.

Tips to Minimize the Effects of Fluorescent Lighting & Computer Vision Syndrome at the Office

Another downside of having a desk job is the strain it puts on your eyes. The average American office worker spends around seven hours a day in front of computers or other digital devices (smartphones, e-readers, tablets, etc.). As a result, many people experience digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. This term is used to describe a variety of visual health problems that can arise from prolonged computer use, including eye strain and dizziness, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision and dry eyes.

How to Protect Your Eyes at the Office

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to protect your eyes and limit the effects of bad lighting and too much time spent staring at screens at the office.

  • Ditch fluorescent lighting. Check to see if it’s possible to get rid of the overhead fluorescent lighting in your office. A good lighting alternative is floor lamps, in which halogen or incandescent bulbs can be used to give off indirect light.
  • Don’t skip your yearly eye exam. For most people, a yearly eye exam is a necessity. A regular eye exam will allow your eye doctor to detect changes in your vision and spot any visual problems early on. Make sure your optometrist knows how much time you generally spend on the computer, both at home and at work.
  • Adjust your computer display settings. To avoid straining your eyes, make sure that your computer screen is bright with good contrast, in a font size and style that can be read easily without squinting.
  • Blink often and use eye drops as needed. Blinking frequently may seem like a no-brainer, but you may be surprised to learn that people tend to blink less than half as often as they should when using the computer. To keep your eyes properly lubricated and prevent irritation, make a conscious effort to blink at least 10-15 times per minute – roughly every five seconds. If you still notice that your eyes are dry or irritated, eye drops can provide relief.
  • Give yourself a break. Don’t forget to take periodic breaks away from your desk throughout the day. The doctors at Vision Specialists of Michigan recommend using the 20-20-20 approach when your eyes need a break from digital screens: after 20 minutes of screen time, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Get Help From Professionals

Healthy eyes are an essential part of your overall health. If you have been suffering from headaches or blurred vision due to harsh fluorescent lights or prolonged computer use at work, Vision Specialists of Michigan can help. To find out how we treat vision disorders such as computer vision syndrome, give us a call at (248) 258-9000.

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Dr. Sandy DiPonio earned her optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry in 1996. She is a highly skilled and experienced eye care professional dedicated to giving her patients of all ages excellent and compassionate care. She has a wide variety of experience in binocular vision, pediatric and adult eye care, ocular disease and contact lens fitting. She strives to provide each of her patients the best quality of life they can achieve with their vision through knowledge and education of treatment options.

Dr. DiPonio is a member of the American Optometric Society and Michigan Optometric Society.

Dr. Sally Hoey has been practicing optometry since graduating from Michigan College of Optometry in 2001. During her time in optometry school, she developed an interest in binocular vision, culminating in a senior thesis involving binocular vision.

Prior to joining Vision Specialists of Michigan, Dr. Hoey specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of vision-related learning problems as well as other binocular vision disorders. Her other areas of interest include specialty contact lens fittings and treating dry eye. Dr. Hoey strives to provide her patients with clear, comfortable vision while meeting their individual needs at the same time.

Dr. Hoey had the opportunity to provide eye care on an optometric mission trip to Guyana, South America and vision screenings at a local medical clinic. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Michigan Optometric Association, Metropolitan Detroit Optometric Society and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Dr. Jennifer Place graduated with honors from Michigan College of Optometry in 2001.

Before joining Vision Specialists of Michigan, she specialized in treating pediatric and adult patients with binocular vision disorders and vision-related learning problems, as well as fitting specialty contact lenses and managing various types of ocular disease. She enjoys working with patients with unique visual needs, and she takes great pride in providing all patients with highly customized care.

Dr. Place has volunteered for Opening Eyes, a program that provides eye exams to the athletes of the Michigan Special Olympics, and she participated in an international mission to St. Lucia to provide eye care to those in need. Dr. Place is a member of the Detroit Optometric Society, the Michigan Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, the College of Vision Development, and the Optometric Extension Program Foundation.

Dr. Mary Jo Ference has been practicing optometry since 1990 upon graduating from Ferris State University- Michigan College of Optometry, and is certified in Low Vision Rehabilitation. She has worked at Sinai-Grace Hospital systems for over 20 years before joining Vision Specialists of Michigan in 2013 to work with binocular vision disorders. Her clinical areas of expertise include visual rehabilitation of pediatric and adult patients who have suffered from brain trauma, injury or disease. She has taught both optometry and ophthalmology residents at Sinai Grace Hospital. Dr. Ference has sat on numerous boards, including Sinai Grace Hospital, Berry Out-Patient Surgical Center, and Seedlings Braille Books for the Blind. She is actively involved in area school districts to provide education, training and access for students, teachers, OT’s and PT’s to eye care service rehabilitation information. Dr. Ference has lectured extensively nationally and internationally.

Dr. Debby Feinberg began practicing Optometry in Oakland County in 1983, upon graduating from Illinois College of Optometry. She joined her father, Dr. Paul C. Feinberg, at Mall Optical Center, which was located in Summit Place Mall.

Since 1995 Dr. Feinberg has been developing the field of NeuroVisual Medicine which is the optometric subspecialty that identifies and treats neurological / medical symptoms that originate directly or indirectly in the visual system.

Dr. Feinberg has been performing pioneering work with Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD), a condition where a vision misalignment (frequently subtle) creates difficulties with the two eyes working together to create a single 3-dimensional image, and difficulties with the two eyes following that image as it moves.

The symptoms caused by BVD are not usually associated with problems with the visual system, and include headache, dizziness, anxiety and panic, persistent post-concussive symptoms, gait instability and balance problems, frequent falls, neck pain, motion sickness, nausea, and reading and learning problems.

In 2004. Dr. Feinberg established Vision Specialists of Birmingham, specifically designing the practice to accommodate the needs of the NeuroVisual Medicine patient.

In 2011, the office moved to its current location in Bloomfield Hills and updated its name to Vision Specialists of Michigan.