Mar 15, 2005 For Immediate Release

For Information Contact Steven Clark / Howard Matzner Andover Communications (201)-947-4133

THE EYE CHART IS NOT THE SOLUTION FOR COMPUTER VISION PROBLEMS

For generations of patients who grew up associating a visit to the eye doctor with the eye chart or the big “E,” there is a new test in town.

Due to the overwhelming use of computers and the incidence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), more and more eye doctors are reporting an increased need to provide their patients with computer vision care (far more, in fact, than any other specialty, including children, sports, or low vision, according to last month’s EyeCare Business).

In addition, a new study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry reports that even a very slight miscorrection can reduce productivity on average by 9% and accuracy by 38% – even when the computer user believes he or she sees the screen clearly and reports no symptoms of CVS (e.g. eye fatigue or soreness, headaches, blurry vision, neck and shoulder pain). This study utilized a new instrument, called the PRIO Vision Tester, that duplicates the computer screen image in the exam process. Other clinical studies have shown that printed reading cards – the Big E chart -- do not give an effective Rx for computer use. In effect, doctors using printed cards to test for computer vision are guessing at the Rx.

“Finding the right computer Rx for a patient is critical,” said Dr. Larry Wan, a computer vision care specialist in San Jose, CA. “Being even slightly off is not good enough. I find that providing patients with the correct prescription in their eyeglasses makes a huge difference in terms of how they feel and how productive they are at work.”

So, what should a computer-using patient expect to find when he or she walks into the office of an eye doctor who specializes in computer vision care?

They are likely to find the following:

1. All patients must complete a patient history that includes questions on the number of hours they work at a computer daily, symptoms they may experience, and the distance they work from the computer.
   
2. The doctor uses the PRIO vision tester to examine all patients who report using a computer. This medical device simulates the pixilated image on the computer screen, and determines the patient’s exact Rx for computer use.
   
3. Most computer vision specialists recommend Near Variable Focus (NVF) lenses. NVF lenses are multifocal lenses that give users the benefit of having a single pair of glasses that allow them to read printed material, work comfortably at the computer distance, and have the ability to see as far away as about 13 feet. NFV lenses can also be used with children who work on computers.
   
4. 4. The doctor may offer some ergonomic guidance, including workstation, lighting, posture, angle used to view the computer. But, remember: Workstation design is not a cure for CVS. Only the correctly prescribed computer eyewear will solve CVS.

Dr. Wan suggests that all patients – including children - have a PRIO computer vision test as part of their yearly eye exam. Even individuals with 20/20 vision can experience problems that result from the ongoing focusing effort at a computer. CVS affects all age groups, from age five to 85.

“Most patients, even those who spend 6-8 hours a day at a computer, know surprisingly little about computer vision care,” said Dr. Wan. “They work day after day with vision discomfort and are less and less productive. They don’t realize that help is readily available. Seeing a computer vision specialist will make a huge difference.”

To find a PRIO computer vision specialist near to you, visit www.prio.com

PRIO® is a registered trademark of PRIO Corporation.