Query

[Andrew MacLean]

The standard advice to everyone using a VDU, whether or not they have an eye condition, is to take regular rests; Gareth has posted very good advice on this in the past.

I found this article

http://www.lhc.org.uk/members/pubs/books/vdu/vd02.htm

Here is a brief excerpt from that page

Whenever possible, jobs at display screen should be designed to consist of a mix of screen-based and non screen-based work to prevent fatigue and to vary visual and mental demands. Where the job unavoidably contains spells of intensive display screen work these should be broken up by periods of non-intensive, non-display screen work. Where work cannot be so organised, eg in jobs requiring only data or text entry requiring sustained attention and concentration, deliberate breaks or pauses must be introduced.

Regulation 4 Guidance note 43

Breaks should be taken before the onset of fatigue, not in order to recuperate.

Regulation 4 Guidance note 45 (a)

Breaks or changes of activity should be included in working time. They should reduce the workload at the screen, ie should not result in a higher pace or intensity of work on account of their introduction.

Regulation 4 Guidance note 45 (b)

Short, frequent breaks are more satisfactory than occasional, longer breaks: eg, a 5-10 minute break after 50-60 minutes continuous screen and/or keyboard work is likely to be better than a 15 minute break every two hours.

[rosemary johnson]

I don't know if there is any evidence that extensive computer use and make KC worse.
But I'm quite sure that extensive computer use can make the problems of KC very very obvious.
I mean, if you are trying to read a computer screen for most of the day, and are finding it a struggle to read te fine print, yu know about it.
WHen I'm out at the stables looking after the horses, my eyesight is still the same, but I don't notice it because I don't need to see such fine details.
Also, there are studies that people looking at computer screens for a long time tend to blink less than normal, which can make problems with dry eyes worse, and make wearing contact lenses more difficult. COmputer offices/labs/departments tend to have hot dry atmospheres, and most computers generate heat as they operate, which makes matters worse.
People with KC tend also to be quite light sensitive, and having to keep looking at computer screens that are lit-up can make this very clear. SOmetimes the light sensitivity is actually due to the way the KC eye scatters light around inside itself; other times, the person with KC is "just" light sensitive - some people are, and apparently, peopel who have another eye condition are more likely than "ordinary" people to develop light sensitivity, not for any particular reason but becasue they're just light sensitive.
Ways to deal with this are: take regular breaks; keep yourself, your eyes and if possile your surrounding atmosphere as well hydrated as possible, and learn to make yourself blink.
YOu can also try changing the screen colours so the screen is less bright. or even using talking computer kit to read out what you're working on so you can listen to it not stare at the screen so much.
Rosemary

[rsnr]

I like the horse example rosemary. I agree with you about computer usage making the problem obvious. I mean my KC is much more serious in the right eye and if I cover the left one things get really messy even with glasses. However, using both eyes situation is more than pleasing as for now. I don't even notice the small halos of the fineprint in web pages anymore. But then again I'm still 24 and it may progress further....

[GarethB]

Not sure if long hours does much on the progression of KC but it might exagerate the symptoms.

When you concentrate looking at a computer screen, playing video games, watching TV and even reading a book your blink rate goeas down and your eyes become dryer. This can lead to contact lenses becoming uncopmfortable or increased rubbing of eyes as they become dry and itchy. It has been suggested but never proved that eye rubbing makes KC worse.

It isn't until PC users start work that they become aware of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations which means employers have a legal obligation to provide a DSE assessment. The guidlines from the HSE which supplmenet this recomend taking regular short breaks to avoid eye strain. What I notice when doing these assessments at work is as you observe someon concentrating at the PC, 95% of the time they lean into the PC and get much closer to the monitor.

I advise people to take a few minutes break every 30 - 45 minutes which is easy if you need to print documents, rather than wait for a load of documnets to collect from the PC, collect them as soon as you print. Avoide reviewing documents on the PC, print them off in a format that is comfortable for you. A waste of paper to some, but shred it and recyle it once you've done, no extra trees become harmed.

Eye drops help aleviate the symptoms of dry eye, I use Systane, Andrew uses something differnt, it is a case of finding what works for you and discussing dry eyes and issues with computers with an optom can help with the management of the problem.

I've found this approach and a change in contact lens type has meant that I rub my eyes far less and suffer eye strain far less too.