What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a kind of strain on the eyes and this occurs when you use a computer or any digital device (Laptop/ Smartphone or Tablet) for a long period. Whenever you spent a few hours on the computer and probably felt like, some of the effects of prolonged use of the computer or any other device. But the inconvenience that you face can be reduced by a few simple practices.
What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?
Well, there are many factors that determine the amount of strain, and you feel as you work on a computer or other digital device, include the following things:
- lighting in the room
- Distance from the digital screen
- Glare on the screen
- Your seating posture
- The angle of your head
One or maybe all of these can combine to cause an uncomfortable amount of strain in human eyes.
The symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome can differ from one person to another person. And few symptoms of this disease are as follows:
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Itchy or dry eyes
- Stiffness backache
- Difficulty in focusing
- Neck pain or shoulder pain
- Nearsightedness, also known as myopia
Treatment
Although, if you stop using the screen, then the symptoms of CVS will be eradicated.
However, if you have an underlying eye or vision problem, so you will have to treat some of the problems described below to prevent future episodes of CVS.
Also Read: Color Blindness
Regular eye checkup
If you don’t visit your eye doctor regularly, so you are more likely to have poor vision problems as a result of prolonged screen use. You can also use old prescription glasses or lenses if you want, but doing so is not effective in correcting your vision problems.
If your regular visits to an eye doctor so can reduce the risk of CVS and other vision-related problems.
Vision therapy
Vision therapy is a kind of therapy that aims to develop or improve your vision. And this you’ll have to do eye exercises to improve your eye movement and focusing.
Vision therapy may be a good option for you if you continue to experience CVS or any other vision problem despite wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses. Night Blindness
Laser eye surgery
Any person who suffers from underlying vision problems can be a good candidate for laser eye surgery. In this process, a laser is used to re-shape the surface of the eye so that it can focus more effectively.
How to prevent computer vision syndrome
The most successful way to prevent CVS is to avoid using digital screens for long periods. Although, it’s also not a good option for everyone because they have to work on the computer.
If you also have to use the computer for a long time, then you can follow the 20-20-20 rule stated by the AOA. To follow this, you have to take a 20-second break in every 20 minutes at a distance of 20 feet.
By following this rule, you can reduce eye strain with the use of digital screens.
Tips to prevent some of the symptoms of CVS include below:
- Screen position at an optimum distance, which will be approximately 20 to 28 inches away from the eye
- 15-20 degrees below eye level along the center of the screen
- There should be adequate lighting
- Using an antigen screen or changing the screen angle to avoid glare
- Remember to blink regularly enough to avoid dryness of the eyes.
- It’s necessary to wear glasses or lenses to avoid any inherent vision problems
- Don’t forget to take regular rest breaks
When to see a doctor
Although, the symptoms of CVS will soon go away if you spend enough time away from the digital screen.
If you want to prevent future episodes of CVS, you have to improve your work environment and adopt healthy screen-management habits.
You should go to the eye doctor when you continue to experience CVS symptoms despite making the necessary changes for screen use. They can also sometimes be a sign of a persistent underlying eye condition.