Computer Vision Syndrome
In this day and age, it seems like you simply can’t escape extended time in front of computers, tablets, smartphones and other types of digital devices. The amount of time many of us spend on these technologies, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, increases year over year, leading to an explosion in the diagnosis of a condition known as computer vision syndrome (CVS).
What Are the Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
Also called digital eye strain, this condition affects an estimated 60% of the population, and can cause mild to debilitating symptoms that make life much less comfortable, interfering with everyday activities at work and at home. The most common symptoms of CVS include:
- Eye strain
- Aching in the eyes
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Neck, back and shoulder pain
What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?
CVS can be caused by a number of factors, including certain habits or behaviors, the environment around you and underlying eye diseases or conditions.
Behavioral or environmental factors include:- Poor lighting
- Screen glare
- Infrequent blinking
- Bad posture
Underlying eye conditions that may result in CVS include:
- Dry eye syndrome or ocular surface disease
- An eyelid condition like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction
- Eye movement problems like convergence insufficiency
- Uncorrected refractive errors, especially hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia
- Reduced eye focusing ability
Can Computer Vision Syndrome Be Treated?
Yes! CVS can be treated. First, you need to visit your eye doctor, who will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to discover what’s causing your CVS symptoms and discuss the most effective ways to help.
If an eye condition or vision problem is causing or worsening your CVS symptoms, your eye doctor will first treat the underlying condition, usually with eyeglasses or eye drops. You may only need to wear glasses while using your computer. If your CVS symptoms stem from your environment or behavior, your eye doctor will recommend ways to alter your work environment to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
Call us today to make an appointment with Opthalmology Doctor Name to discover what’s causing your CVS symptoms and learn about treatment options.
Can CVS Be Avoided?
In many cases, yes. Some minor adjustments to your environment and how you use a digital device can make screen time more comfortable for your eyes and significantly reduce your risk of CVS.
Here are some tips:
1. Sit in a Comfortable Chair
The ideal office chair offers comfort and support and encourages good posture. Sitting up straight and in alignment with your computer screen can help you avoid the neck and shoulder pain associated with CVS.
2. Adjust Lighting
Bright lighting, whether it’s natural sunlight or harsh fluorescents, can create a glare that’s hard on the eyes. Block excessive light by closing shades and curtains, and consider switching to lower intensity light bulbs and adding a glare filter to your screen.
3. Blink Frequently
Blinking lubricates the eyes and reduces your risk of dry eyes — a common CVS symptom. Studies have shown that people blink much less frequently when staring at a digital screen, so make a conscious effort to blink more often while using your digital device.
4. Take Frequent Breaks
Taking a break while working at your computer will give your eye muscles a much-needed break and lower your chances of developing eye strain and eye fatigue. If you can’t get away from your desk, at least follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
5. Adjust Your Screen
Proper screen placement will help prevent eye strain and neck and shoulder pain. Place your screen about an arm’s length away from your eyes, angled slightly downward, so the center of the screen is 4-8 inches below eye level.
6. Adjust Your Screen’s Settings
Adjusting the text size, screen brightness, and color contrast and temperature can significantly improve your visual clarity and comfort and reduce your chances of eye strain.
7. Invest In a Quality Device
Some devices and computer screens offer greater visual comfort than others, so if you’re ready to upgrade your device, look for one that has a flat-panel LED screen with an anti-reflective surface. Larger, higher-quality screens offer more eye comfort.
8. Have Regular Eye Exams
Many eye conditions as well as vision problems can cause or contribute to CVS symptoms. Your eye doctor will assess your eye health and vision and, if problems are detected, recommend treatment options. Sometimes, CVS can be resolved simply by updating your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Regular eye exams enable early detection of eye conditions and diseases that can make it more difficult to perform everyday tasks.
If you spend a lot of time on digital screens and experience debilitating eye strain, headaches, blurry vision or other symptoms that harm your quality of life, call Opthalmology Practice Name in LOCATION1 today to schedule an appointment!
Our practice serves patients from CITY 1, CITY 2, CITY 3, and CITY 4, and surrounding communities.