Discussion: How using a computer can affect one's eyes.

W: Hi, Tom. How’s your chemistry paper going?

M: It’s coming along. But I’ve been staring at this computer screen for hours and my eyes hurt.

W: Yeah, doing that can make your eyes feel really dry and tired. You should take a break.

M: I can’t. I have to get this paper written. It’s due tomorrow.

W: You know, I read about computers and eye problems recently. The article says that they are usually caused by not blinking your eyes enough.

M: Blinking? I thought I just needed new glasses.

W: No. When you blink, the movement of closing and opening your eyes, even thought it happens really fast, helps moisten your eyes. It’s the lack of moisture that causes the problem.

M: Oh, that makes sense. But what does it have to do with the computer?

W: People who use computers tend to stare at the monitor and blink less often than they normally would. That leads to dry irritated eyes.

M: Well, that certainly helped mine feel now. They really hurt.

W: The article I read about office workers found that the workers averaged 22 blinks a minute when relax, but just 7 a minute while looking at text on a computer screen.

M: Wow, that’s quite a difference.

W: They also kept their eyes open wider, which means that moisture evaporated more quickly.

M: I wonder if using some kind of eye drops would make them feel better.

W: That might help. But the best prescription is to take a break and rest your eyes.

M: Ok. Let’s go get some coffee. I can finish this later tonight.