Do goggles help with computer problems?

[happysad]

I work on the computer all day and suffer from fatigue and pain in the eyes at work and when I get home.
So far I have tried the usual stuff: drops/breaks/drinking water/humidifier, but still have problems. My eye doctor has examined my eyes and tells me that they are normal. So now I think I have what is sometimes called 'Computer Vision Syndrome'. As for the pain, she has told me to 'live with it'.

However, I want to search for ways to get better.

I have seen the threads about goggles helping some people with dry eyes - I don't get wind blowing in my face where I'm sitting, but will goggles still help me?

[bassfan]

I know at my desk you can't tell there is "wind" blowing on me but when I have my little humidifier running...I can see the water vapor being blown in one direction. Sometimes it switches to another direction. My eyes are worst at work and I attribute it mostly to that air movement.

Goggles may be worth a shot, but its something that I dont think I could do just becuase people would look at me weird. You might also want to try a "break reminder" software. I use one here at work that makes me take a twenty second break every five minutes. Its actually more for my wrist tendonitis...but surely helps my eyes too.

bassfan

[happysad]

Thanks, I already have the break reminder, not set as frequently though.
I attribute my eye problems to not blinking enough. Something happens to my autonomous brain when I get in front of a computer, and it stops me blinking.
As for people looking at me funny with goggles, I don't care about that. I just want to get better.

[Rebecca Petris]

I have seen the threads about goggles helping some people with dry eyes - I don't get wind blowing in my face where I'm sitting, but will goggles still help me?

Yes! Yes! Yes! Well, no promises, but I sure have seen them make a world of difference for people on the computer. Had that happen with someone recently - literally went from misery to being able to work full time again.

If you want a way to test it out on the cheap, try Onion Goggles or, if you wear glasses, one of the Guard Dogs products.

By the way, if/when it DOES work, it would be great if you would go back and educate your doctor. "Live with it!" grr

[Toril]

...Rebecca (or someone else)...have you got a good link to Guard Dog products?...Can they be used together with regular glasses...? I'm not sure if I understand how they work..

Toril

[stella]

Toril
I've just recently received a pair of "cocoons "- sunglasess over Rx glasses from E bay
They completely seal your eyes but they need to be the right size - you are supposed to measure your glasses and pick ones that fit over them. They do seal your eyes well over your glasses
Unfortunately i erred on the safe side and got large ones which dont look too good on me- a smaller size would have done
Are gaurd dogs the same type of thing ?

[Francesco]

Happysad...i think that your problem with computer is similar to mine.....i think that you might help it buying a tinted glass like a did.....since the light of the monitor might hurt your eyes....with tinted glasses it's like almost using sunglasses in front of the computer..i feel that my eyes are not so stressed with them. Hope helps
Bye

[Rebecca Petris]

Here's the page with their 'motorcycle' line.

Someone here once reviewed the Evader II OverRx model, for wear over glasses. There have been comments on a couple of the others - I think most recently one of the Sidecars.

[happysad]

Thank you for all the replies. You convinced me that I need to try this out.

I am thinking of ordering the Cocoons - Wide model for fitting over glasses.

Regarding tinted lenses - My feeling is that they will not make a difference. I have already turned down the brightness on my monitor.
I'm most concerned about getting a pair that will fit closely to my face over the glasses, since the purpose is to create a moist atmosphere around my eyes. Also they should be comfortable and not be pressing the frame into my face.

[happysad]

Well, I ordered the Cocoons. While I'm waiting for the international shipment to arrive, I dug up a pair of safety glasses. I can feel they really do make a difference in front of the computer. But experience has taught me not to celebrate too early in this matter. So I will come back later and tell you all and perhaps also my doctor about the experience.

[EllMitcho]

Hi

Just to let you know - I am currently going through exactly this at present - I am a heavy pc user and suffer when I use my pc - I have Guardogs on order and will post my results!

Cheers

EllMitcho

[happysad]

ElMitcho: Are you also symptom-free when away from the computer for some time?

This disease is so hard to understand. I walk around without a care in the world, then I sit in front of a computer, and within 5 minutes - the pain is there.
I have worked full time for 2 and a half years, and it has been a slow buildup, so my only explanation is that it is some kind of repetitive strain injury in the eyes.
My big worry is that the relief provided by these goggles will slowly disappear like the other stuff I have tried. Then, I will probably have to throw my software engineering degree in the trash. Then my apartment will go, and I will have to start over. Too depressing to think about.

[EllMitcho]

Hi

My symptoms are variable - I have good days and bad. But my eyes ALWAYS suffer with heavy PC use and / or video gaming - TV does not have the same effect so I am convinced it is either enviornmental (eg dust / airflow) or reduced blink rate.

goggles theoretically should help - so I am hopeful. Your 'worst case' scenario I would say is unlikely, you just need to find the combination of 'treatments' and cleaning regime that helps you manage your DES.

btw what 'break reminder' software do you use?

Thanks

EllMitcho

[happysad]

Yes, well if it stops getting worse then I guess I can manage it. But I don't feel certain about that at all. This last year has been really rough, trying to adapt.

As for the goggle thing, I'm wearing a pair of 3M safety goggles right now, while I'm working from home, and they make a real difference. In fact I told my boss I will be working from home the rest of the week so I can continue to wear them without being seen.
If you want to try it out I would guess any hardware/paint store has something like them.

The software I use is called Scirocco Break Reminder (it's available for free) set to 5 min breaks every 30 mins.

[EllMitcho]

Thanks happysad - hopefully my Guarddogs will be here in a couple of days. Btw the scirocco s/w is exactly what I needed - good find!

We have a lot of similarities with our symptoms - I too had a rough 1st yr but am more hopeful now - we just need to find the combination of treatments and or lifestyle changes that give us an acceptable level of comfort.

Don't give up and don't despair and I'm sure you will crack it!

Cheers

EllMitcho