Computer Vision Syndrome

Do your eyes feel tired or dry by the end of the day?  Are you prone to achy headaches on your forehead or around your eyes?  Does your vision ever seem to go in and out of focus, especially after a long day at work?  Do you work all day on a computer?

Many people assume their tired, dry eyes and blurry vision are an unavoidable consequence of working in today's technology-based workplace.  Computers are notorious for causing numerous vision problems including eyestrain, headaches, blurry vision, double vision, and dry eyes.  Additionally, they are often responsible for neck, shoulder, and back pain, depending on the workstation set-up.  Because of the prevalence of eye-related computer problems, they have been grouped together and given a name: "Computer Vision Syndrome," or "Digital Eye Strain."  And, there IS something that can be done!

An eye exam can identify problems that can predispose a person to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).  Trouble with eye teaming (the ability of the eyes to work together, especially when reading), an underlying Dry Eye Syndrome, and uncorrected refractive errors, namely nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all make time spent looking at a computer screen a very difficult and uncomfortable experience.  Some solutions to CVS include vision training ("eye exercises"), customized glasses or contact lens prescriptions based on your computer workstation set-up, and various treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome.  Check out the chart below to see if you might suffer from CVS.


Computer Vision Syndrome: Common Symptoms

“Tired eyes”	Blurry Vision
Eye burning	Double Vision
Watery Eyes	Headache
Dry Eyes	Frequent blinking
Eyestrain	Neck/shoulder/back ache

Additionally, here are some tips to help minimize any digital eyestrain:


• Follow the "20/20/20 Rule": for every 20 minutes on a digital device, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away (essentially, look out a window or walk away from your computer every 20 minutes.)


• Do not tilt a computer monitor.  Rather, adjust your screen so it is directly in front of your face but slightly below eye level.


• Position yourself or your device so there is sufficient distance between your eyes and the screen.  An arm's length is generally an adequate distance for a desktop computer.


• Adjust the screen brightness.  Consider changing your background color from bright white to cool gray.


• Lessen the amount of overhead and surrounding light competing with your device's screen.  If possible, avoid fluorescent lighting directly overhead.


• Increase text size to allow for greater comfort if needed.


• Remind yourself to blink more often. Staring at a digital screen generally causes people to blink less than they should, which can cause eyes to become dry.


• Parents should limit the amount of screen time for children and encourage them to take breaks (see 20/20/20 Rule above).