Prio Develops Computer Vision Eye-q Test
[bc]PRIO DEVELOPS COMPUTER VISION EYE-Q TEST[/bc]
How much do your patients know about Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)? In today's world of instant messaging, chat rooms, video games and online auctions, more and more people, including children, find themselves staring at computer screens for hours every day.
To help ECPs educate their patients about CVS, including symptoms, treatment and prevention, PRIO Corporation, a leader in the computer vision care industry, has developed the Computer Vision Eye-Q test. The 10-question test, which will be available to all eye doctors' offices throughout the country, will include questions such as 'What are the symptoms of CVS?' and 'What is the best way to prevent CVS?" Answers are included at the bottom of the test. The in-office test is also intended to encourage patients to schedule a computer vision exam. (Scroll down further to see the Eye-Q Test)
"We created this test to further awareness of what is commonly called the '#1 workplace hazard of the 21st century,' " said Jon Torrey, President of PRIO. "Unfortunately, while a lot of people know their eyes start to hurt and they get neck and back pain after sitting at the computer for several hours, they don't know why it happens or how to prevent it. This Computer Vision Eye-Q test will answer these and other questions."
According to the American Optometric Association, 70 to 75 percent of an estimated 143 million computer-using Americans and suffer from CVS, would benefit from computer eyewear.
For more information about CVS or PRIO, please visit www.prio.com. To order the new Computer Vision Eye Q test call PRIO customer service at (800) 621-1098.
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Computer Vision Test
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), the result of spending hours in front of a computer screen, has been called the #1 complaint in the workplace. It's a problem that affects millions of Americans from all walks of life - even children.
But how much do you know about CVS? You can determine your Computer Vision Eye-Q by answering the questions below.
1. What are the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
a. Eye strain
b. Headaches
c. Blurred vision
d. Neck and shoulder pain
e. All of the above
2. According to the American Optometric Association, what percentage of the estimated 143 million Americans who use computers are affected by CVS?
a. 10-15 percent
b. 25-30 percent
c. 50 percent
d. 70-75 percent
3. True or false, the eye responds to the printed word in a similar manner as the computer image?
4. The "reading point of accommodation" refers to:
a. The eyes of a computer user drifting from the computer image due to a focusing problem
b. The correct posture, which allows the computer user to see most clearly
c. A special "glare-free" filter
d. The "near point" area on a computer-only lens
5. What is the primary reason for Computer Vision Syndrome?
a. Glare on the computer screen
b. An inability to focus properly on the computer images
c. Images that are too small
d. Computer stations that are not ergonomically sound
6. True or false, studies show that the "Big E" vision test that most patients are familiar with is the most reliable way to determine computer eyestrain.
7. When using a computer, the eyes blink about
a. Twice as frequently as when reading
b. The same amount
c. Half as frequently
d. Five times less often
8. In a room or office where a computer is used, lighting should be
a. Half as bright
b. Twice as bright
c. About the same
d. Doesn't matter
9. True or false, there is a relationship between workplace productivity and the proper Rx at a computer.
10. A recent study on children and computers found that
a. Children may experience more problems than adults because of their size and the fact that most computers are set up for adults
b. As many as 30% of children who use computers are putting undue stress on their eyes
c. Preliminary research shows a possible correlation between computer use and premature myopia (or nearsightedness) among children
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
ANSWERS
1. e. All of the above are common symptoms of CVS.
2. d. The AOA estimates that 70-75% of computer users are affected by CVS.
3. False. The printed word has contrast and well-defined edges that the
computer image lacks.
4. a. The eyes drift because they are unable to maintain their focus and
drift to the resting point of accommodation.
5. b. As a result, the eye strains in its attempt to focus on the computer image. The lag of accommodation, the distance between where the eye should be focusing and the resting point of accommodation, causes the strain. It has been compared to forcing the eyes to do thousands of pushups a day.
6. False. The traditional way of testing vision, known as the Snellen Test, does not provide the eye doctor with sufficient information to determine the proper prescription for use at the computer. The PRIO testing method duplicates the pixilated image of a computer screen, thereby giving the eye doctor the most accurate and objective prescription.
7. d. The eyes blink an estimated five times less often at the computer. This can cause the eye to become dry.
8. a. It is recommended that lighting in an office or room used by people at computers be reduced by half. This includes closing the blinds to reduce glare.
9. True. A study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, and sponsored by PRIO Corporation and Vision Council of America, found a direct correlation between workplace productivity/accuracy and the proper lens prescription for the computer user (whether or not the individual reported symptoms of CVS).
10. d. A study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley School of Optometry found that children as young as two may be seriously affected by extended computer use unless they are using the right Rx.
