Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome

Though living in the digital era has made our lives easier, as we know that there are always two sides of a coin. As a result of increased reliance on digital devices, especially people who work on laptops or computers everyday are prone to developing computer vision syndrome or computer eye syndrome.

At times, many of us complain of eye pain from the computer screen and tend to neglect the problem unless it starts hampering day-to-day life.

Let’s understand computer vision syndrome causes

While working on a computer, your eyes have to constantly adjust the focus and move to read accordingly.  Whether you are writing something, working on a video, etc. carrying out multiple tasks on the device, the eyes rapidly change focus and send visual information to the brain to process. The entire process is strenuous for eye muscles. The glare from the screen also makes it worse for the eyes. Further, it is a fact that while working on a computer, you blink your eyes much less, making them prone to dryness and blurred vision.

Following are the computer vision syndrome symptoms that call for your attention:

·   Dry, itchy and red eyes

·   Blurry vision

·   Double vision

·   Backache and headache

·   Neck pain

·   Muscle fatigue

These discomforting and painful signs of computer eyestrain can negatively impact productivity at work and daily routine work. Eye care professionals recommend different practices to manage or minimize the impact of eyestrain caused by computers.

Computer vision syndrome diagnosis

Computer vision syndrome diagnosis is only given by eye specialists after conducting a comprehensive eye exam. The vision testing evaluates the person’s visual functioning as per the viewing distance of the digital device.

How to manage computer vision syndrome?

Based on the severity of the condition, doctors recommend eye drops that lubricate and relax the eyes and some eye exercises as well. The individual is advised to give rest to their eyes for atleast 15 minutes after every two hours of continuous computer work.

Other tips that doctors recommend to treat computer vision syndrome include:

• Follow 20-20-20 rule: Staring at the screen for long periods strain our eyes a lot. Following the 20-20-20 rule helps in relaxing eye muscles. Every 20 minutes that you spend looking at a screen, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It is also a great way to take regular short breaks and helps greatly in reducing eye strain.
  
• Minimize the glare: Nowadays, glare filters are also available for monitors which protect your eyes. To lower the glare on the computer, change the lighting around your work desk. Avoid sitting directly under the light and if possible, get a lamp that you can adjust according to your eye. Also, feel free to accommodate the brightness.
  

Rearrange your work desk: It is not ideal to lean forward and strain eyes while working on screen. Keeping the computer screen about 20-30 inches away from your eyes and a little below the eye level is best suited for your eyes. You can use print outs and place them beside your monitor to check some things to avoid going back and forth on screen.  

Final Words

While living in the digital era, it is not possible to fully stay away from screen time. Today, many of us have jobs that require long hours of computer work, even students spend much time online. Thus, paying attention to the early signs of computer eyestrain is the need of the hour. If you are also facing vision related problems, computer eye strain, dry eyes, or any other eye problem, get in touch with us at Centre for Sight. We have more than 200 eye specialists across 30 cities and 25 plus years of experience as a leading eye care network. Book your appointment today to get better care for your eyes.