Computer Vision Syndrome

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Staring at computers, tablets, and mobile phones for hours at a time is an inescapable part of life in the 21st century. Unfortunately, so are the negative effects. If you spend more than a few hours a day on any kind of screen, you are likely to have experienced some of the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) at some point. They include:

• Blurry vision

• Eye strain and discomfort

• Headaches

• Dry, scratchy eyes

• Neck and/or shoulder pain

What Is the Treatment?

Fortunately, there is help. The most important step in relieving the negative symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome is to correct any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia) with the help of glasses or contacts. In addition to that, a set of specially designed computer glasses can be prescribed for use specifically when working on a computer. For people who spend their day on a computer, this can be a game changer. For patients already wearing contacts or glasses, a new, more computer-friendly prescriptions can often provide improvement.

In addition to the above recommendations, there are other environmental and behavioral changes that can help alleviate symptoms:

• Optimize Computer Setup: Adjust your monitor so that it is about 15-20 degrees lower than your eye level when seated between 20-28 inches away from the screen. Reference materials can be placed on a document holder between the monitor and keyboard, or to the side, but positioned for as little head movement as possible. Be sure to sit and work with proper posture.

• Adjust Lighting: If you can, reposition any lighting (or your computer) to minimize glare and use natural lighting whenever possible.

• Remember the 20/20 Rule: Every 20 minutes during your work, look toward a distant point that’s at least 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. This helps relax the focusing muscles in your eyes that are not meant to be in a constant state of work.

• Lubricate: Keep a bottle of non-prescription artificial tears near your computer desk and instill a drop every few hours. Studies have shown that the normal blink rate of 15-20 times a minute decreases to about 5 while we’re staring at screens. This is one of the main culprits of computer related dry eye.

With the proper combination of vision correction and environmental accommodations, the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome can be significantly improved. Let our doctors help!