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August 4, 2010
Is the All-Encompassing Screen Really the Best Option
In the age of the iPad, Sony Reader, Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook and countless e-book reader knock-offs, one can’t help but wonder what the consequences of the transition from reading the printed page to reading solely on electronic screens will be. Already, Americans spend countless hours gazing into computer screens at work, watching larger screen TVs at home and reading the tiny screens of phones and iPods throughout the day and night. Now, with the introduction of multiple new electronic readers and thousands of titles available in e-Book form, we can spend those precious few spare moments we used to use for delving into a good book staring at yet another electronic screen.
For years the reading community has argued that reading online is an altogether different experience from reading printed text. In print, there is a visible and tangible beginning, middle and end whereas on the Internet, a reader decides where the story starts, stops and changes course completely. In this way, readers are either more distracted consumers of information or extraordinarily adept navigators through a world of increasingly opinionated and individualized content. Some argue that e-Books offer a way to jump directly into a writer’s content because there is no sense of how much material is left before a climax while others argue that a tangible relationship with a hardcover book puts the reader in a more relaxed place where he is free to truly focus on the material and task at hand. Regardless of the effects on reading however, e-Books are beginning to outsell hard covers on sites like Amazon.com leading some to believe the demise of books and potentially meaningful reading is on the horizon.
Another concern about all this screen reading is possible degradation of one’s eyesight. Frequent computer users often complain of dry eyes, eye strain and blurry vision as well as headaches and neck and shoulder pain. It remains to be seen whether long term vision impairment will result from heavy electronic consumption as the proliferation of screens in everyday life is a relatively new phenomenon. However, there are steps that computer users can take to help deal with the symptoms of eye strain:
- Take breaks from the screen every 30-60 minutes. Looking at objects off in the distance every so often restores the eye’s ability to focus.
- Place the computer monitor or other screen 24”-30” away.
- Keep your screen below eye level to avoid “bright eyes” which cause the eyes to dry out faster.
- If you have to look between hard copy and the screen often (as with data entry), place the hard copy on a stand at equal height and distance as the computer monitor.
Usually the symtoms of eye discomfort are born from intently looking at a computer screen for extended periods of time, which generally reduces the speed of blinking. The above steps can greatly reduce eye fatigue and stress and should be considered not only in working environments, but also when entertainment is generated from the fluorescent light of any type of electronic screen.
June 30, 2010
Happy Canada Day
Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July and don’t forget Canada Day! Tomorrow marks the first day of July, the middle of summer vacation and the birth of Canada as a nation. Take this opportunity to dust off the grill, have a picnic or celebrate your own Canadian heritage. With no right or wrong way to honor Canada’s past, present and future, an island-themed party is an easy way to pay respect. Gather in the backyard after work tomorrow and toast to Canada’s proud history.
December 5, 2009
Practicing Good Work Habits
One of the things many don’t realize is how much your work habits affect your vision which in turn can affect your stress level, productivity and even physical well being. Whether you are typing up an endless amount of emails, writing a thank you letter or putting together a report, here are some great tips to incorporate into your work day to help prevent eye strain and give your eyes a little break.
Writing with care:
Especially in a rush, whenever jotting down notes or writing a letter, many of us don’t pay attention to how we are writing or the environment we are writing in. Poorly lit areas, awkward surfaces or against a wall, may seem like an okay area to write something down, but remember that actions over time are what add up to negative effects. The next time you are on the phone, rather than holding the phone between your head and shoulder, which over time can strain your neck, try to locate a place to sit and lay down the paper or pad.
Over extended use:
While it may be true that there are not enough hours in the day and we can become insanely busy. Taking time to look away from the computer and looking at something else not only gives your eyes a break, but an also clear your head to allow you to tackle your task with a fresh look. Staring at text for extended periods of time can strain your eyes and make details harder to catch.
Rubbing your eyes:
When eyes begin to get sore or are tired, the first reaction is generally to rub them. Remember that your hands touch a multitude of surfaces and aren’t always clean. Rubbing can also increase redness and swelling. The skin around your eyes is incredibly delicate, so be gentle the next time you reach for them.
Adequate sleep:
Your eyes are generally the first to let you know when it’s time to get some rest. Don’t ignore the signals. No matter what the deadline may be, remember that your health, vision and well being should be top priority.
November 23, 2009
Eye Excercises to Prevent Eye Strain
Whether for work, educational or personal purposes, there is no doubt that for many of us, computers and consistently staring at screens have become an integral part of our every day lives.
There are many adverse effects to looking at a screen for long durations such as eye strain, headaches, affected vision and more which with continued use could become permanent.
Here are some eye excercises which can help to reduce eye strain and help care for your vision during extended computer usage.
Take Your Eyes Away and Scan
It is recommended that every 15-30 minutes of using the computer or staring at a screen, you should take your eyes away from the screen and look at other objects. Scan the area and focus on items at different distances. The idea is to keep your eyes moving elsewhere in a fluid movement. Do this for 2-5 minutes.
Head Rolls
To relax your head, shoulder and face muscles, this excercise will prevent that end of day tension you receive from sitting and typing for long durations. Take in a deep breath and as you slowly and fluidly roll your head exhale.
Focus Techniques
Sit upright and place your thumb six inches from your nose. Focusing on your thumb for a short period, look ahead and then focus on another object 10 feet ahead. Continue alternating focus between your thumb and the object ahead for ten minutes.
Remember that the best care for your vision is preventative care. Practice good sitting and reading habits and take breaks from staring at a screen for too long. At the end of the day, placing a warm washcloth over your closed eyes will also help relax the muscles.
November 7, 2009
Benefits of a Reading Slant Board
Over the past few articles, we’ve discussed the various ways in which you can improve your reading, care for your vision and even enhance the learning experience all by how you practice proper reading or working ergonomics. There is a distinct relationship between how you view your work space and how it affects you physically and mentally. In continuing with providing you with valuable information on how to care for your vision and practice positive study, reading or work habits, here are the many benefits that our reading slant board provides.
Ergonomic Attributes
Ergonomics is defined in the dictionary as “(used with a sing. verb) The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.” The design of our reading slant board took all the aspects of ergonomics into the equation in order to produce a work surface that could:
- -Improve Posture
- -Reduce the Heart Rate
- -Lower Blood Pressure
- -Allow for Better Tracking
- -Enhance Comprehension
- -Reduce Eye Fatigue
- -Increase Quality of Penmanship
- -Reduce Wrist Cramping
in addition to proper ergonomics, the Visual Edge Slant Board also provides a Versatile Work Station. The science behind the 22 degree angle makes it ideal to hold almost any size book. Architects and Calligraphers continue to work upon slanted surfaces, so we found that this angle not only optimizes your writing, but also your reading. Fundamental features added to the slant board include:
- -A paperclip to hold documents securely.
- -A removable Velcro book catch, which can be stored at the top of the board to allow for an obstruction free writing surface.
- -A dry erase surface to save paper and allow for notes, solving math problems or practicing spelling.
- -The magnetic surface allows for the ability to use magnets as learning games, puzzles or holding notes to the board.
- -The slant of the surface not only works for books or paper but laptops as well.
The health, learning and vision benefits in which the Visual Edge Slant Board provides are immense and our prime purpose for creating this website and this product is to spread valuable information that will help others become aware of these things.
All to often children with learning disabilities struggle with self esteem and keeping up with their course material and proper studying habits along with an ergonomically structured work space can help increase the comprehension and learning ability.
Please take the time to browse our resource library and other articles to learn more about how our reading slant board has helped others through vision therapy, learning comprehension and more.
October 30, 2009
Foods to Improve Your Vision
Since childhood, many of us have heard that eating carrots will help improve our vision. Though it may seem like a ploy in order to increase the incentive to eating veggies, there is truth in that there are actual foods that provide certain nutrients to aid in the care of your vision, among other things. In addition to carrots, there are many everyday foods and even treats that provide a nutritional boost for your eyes, body and brain.
Carrots
The mighty Carrot! What is it about this orange vegetable that helps our eye site? The orange color is the first indication. Orange fruits and vegetables like the Carrot and Orange, contain what is called “Carotene”, our bodies process Carotene into Vitamin A, which provides nutrition for growth, eyes, skin and even resisting infection.
Dark Chocolate
Just like green tea, dark chocolate is known to provide anti-oxidants. Flavonoids within dark chocolate, aid in protecting your blood vessels, which can prolong the deterioration of yor cornea and lenses as you age. Remember that darker chocolates contain the most health benefits, so pick for content of 60-70% and up.
Garlic
Not only is garlic a wonderful addition to any dish, but it has an abundance of health benefits as well. Garlic is known to increase circulation in your body and help build up immunity. The active ingredient in garlic that helps protect your eyes is Sulfur.
Green Leaf Vegetables
Leafy green veggies such as spinach, arugula, or even broccoli and green beans not only are a good source of fiber and nutrition, but also antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, that also help protect the physical wear on your eyes.
Egg Yolks
There’s constant stipulation among dieters that egg yolks are bad for you, but in moderation the yolk contains proteins, nutrients, essential fatty acids, zinc and B vitamins that contribute to your health and vision.
Salmon
Packed with Omega 3s, Vitamin A and D, this fish provides a packing punch of nutrients to boost your brain, body and vision.
Though there is no way to target nutrition specifically for your eyes, foods that are generally good for your body, will also be good for your eyes. To prolong the quality of your eyesight, eat well, practice habits that help protect your eyes and consult your optometrist if you ever notice anything that may change or be of concern.