Dr. Tony Leach
Computer Vision Syndrome affects tens of millions of Americans who spend time at a computer each day. Dr. Tony Leach is helping patients overcome this growing problem by offering new educational seminars and a new line of eyewear made specifically to combat CVS.
"Computer vision syndrome are caused by our eyes and brain reacting differently to characters on a computer screen than they do to printed characters," said Dr. Tony Leach, downtown Chattanooga optometrist and owner of Epic Optical.
"Our eyes have little problem focusing on printed material that has dense black characters with well-defined edges. But characters on a computer screen don't have the same degree of contrast and definition. This makes it more difficult for our eyes to maintain focus on these images. Instead, our eyes want to drift to a reduced level of focusing called the resting point of accommodation, or RPA.
"Our eyes involuntarily move to the RPA and then strain to regain focus on the screen. This continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles creates the fatigue and eyestrain that commonly occur during and after computer use."
Symptoms such as eyestrain, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes and headaches could be caused by time spent in front of a computer for as little as two hours a day. To educate consumers about CVS, Dr. Leach is offering educational seminars for local businesses.
"It's important for people to realize that there are ways to prevent the daily eye discomfort many Americans experience," said Dr. Leach. "The solutions range from adjusting ergonomic positions to wearing special lenses."
Dr. Leach is also the first optometrist and optical boutique in Tennessee to carry GUNNAR Optiks. GUNNAR Optiks was designed and created for those people who use computers, PDAs or other handheld devices for long periods of time.
"This is the first company that has conducted extensive studies on how the eyes react to computer use and designed a frame and lens system that can eliminate symptoms related to CVS," said Dr. Leach. "I'm amazed that they're just now on the market. I've been prescribing computer glasses for many years but this takes that option to another level."
GUNNAR's patent pending lens technology helps relax the eyes and delivers optimal viewing. The company is also working on a line specifically for children.
"Kids today are spending more time staring at an Xbox or PlayStation and we're seeing an increase in early onset nearsightedness because of that," said Dr. Leach. "Educating parents and children early on will hopefully reduce the amount of CVS cases."
For additional information about CVS, to book an educational seminar or schedule an appointment to try the new GUNNAR Optiks line, contact Dr. Tony Leach at Epic Optical at 423 265-2365.