Computer light reduces headaches

Every so often a product comes along that blows you away. The Eclipse Computer Light from One Tech (401-273-5316) is one such product. If you're like me and spend hours sitting in front of a monitor, you probably suffer from CVS. What's that? You've never heard of CVS (computer vision syndrome)? Neither had I until a few months ago. Then I found I had it. No, I don't get a disease when I hear about it, but I suffered from sore eyes when I starred at my monitor for long periods of time. And it seems I'm not alone. The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety reports that 75 million Americans sit in front of a computer for more than two hours a day, and 91% suffer from eyestrain. The American Optometric Association says companies and employees spend $2 billion a year on CVS.

Common symptoms include eyestrain, tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, dry and irritate eyes and double vision. While there's no evidence that computer use causes long-term vision problems, CVS is uncomfortable. Solutions include eye drops and special glasses - but the real answer is installing the correct lighting and eliminating glare. This can cost thousands of dollars.

Since re-engineering my office was not in the budget, I just put up with it and took frequent breaks -- actually I just put up with it. Then I received a call from a PR person pitching a product that promised to solve all my problems. I was skeptical. But this pitch was from Kathy Tanabe (303-694-6411), one of the best PR people in the industry, so I agreed to try the light.

Shortly afterwards a weird looking light with a mirror arrived at my door and I attached it to my monitor. A couple of days later, my sore eyes were gone. I was told my eyes got better because I was blinking more. The average person blinks 22 times a minute normally, but only four times a minute when staring at a monitor. These increases tear evaporation and results in dry, irritated eyes. The light forces you to blink more often.

While my test is hardly scientific, several optometrists have endorsed the light and doctors agree that having proper lighting reduces CVS. Get more information at www.computerlight.com.