The fact that near work doesn't lead to myopia in all of us, however, doesn't mean sitting close to a computer screen causes no problems. "We are not very clever in identifying who yet," says James Sheedy, a professor at the Pacific University College of Optometry in Oregon. Staring at a computer screen qualifies as well, though monitors usually are around 50 centimeters (20 inches) away.īut only a small-and mysterious-subset of people see myopic progression from near work, whether they are focusing on a computer or accounting books. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and other eye professionals note a seeming link between myopia, also called nearsightedness, and "near work"-visual activities that take place at a distance of about 40 centimeters (16 inches) from the eye-such as reading a book. At this point, you need to know: With each further click on the keyboard, video watched on YouTube, and e-mail sent-are you damaging your vision? Despite the brief reprise your vision remains cloudy, causing the words on the monitor to blur. After rubbing them you settle back into staring, hunched inches away from the computer screen. You roll your head, hoping to loosen the knots in your neck, and shut your eyes.