Look Into the Distance

Professionals who lack specialized training in human factors nonetheless speak out on ergonomic concerns. Robert Kapust, a Hermosa Beach optometrist, will begin advertising his expertise in computer-related eye problems in phone directories due out later this year.

Kapust says it has become common for eye doctors to field complaints about eye strain, blurry vision and headaches from patients who work with computer terminals. Based on his patients’ concerns, Kapust conducted five years of research on vision and computers.

His advice? Keep your computer keyboard, screen and reference materials at the same distance from your eyes. Use the brightness and contrast controls on the screen. Eliminate glare. Clean the computer screen often. Take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes, closing your eyes or looking into the distance. And, of course, have your vision checked regularly.