Eye Sight

[meritflyer]

I've heard staring at the computer screens for long periods of time, such as secretaries do, can lead to eye strain and possible eye conditions.

Any thoughts?

[My Flight Surgeon]

It makes sense that staring at an object close to you (less that a meter) causes your eyes to accomodate to bring the object into focus. (The ability to do this is what you lose when you pass the age of 45 and need reading glasses) So to constantly look at close objects is going to cause some extra work on the cilliary muscles that facilitate focusing for close work. Some people wear reading glasses when they do this a great deal to decrease the strain.

[meritflyer]

What if you have no eye sight issues? Should you still wear some sort of lense?

[My Flight Surgeon]

No. But if your eyes feel strained, it may be beneficial to wear a weak plus lense, especially if you are 35+ years old.