WHAT IS COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME?

Prolonged use of digital devices requires sustained visual attention and can result in visual fatigue and discomfort.

The bright screens and backlight of digital devices can also cause glare, which can strain the eyes and cause pain. Glare from bright lighting or the sun can cause eye strain and fatigue.

The rapid change in light intensity on computer screens can cause discomfort and headaches.

Incorrect lighting in the workplace can lead to eye strain and fatigue.

Poor posture while using computers can cause neck, back, and eye strain.

The close proximity of screens to the eyes, small screens, high-resolution screens, small text size, and limited viewing angles can all contribute to the development of CVS and digital eye strain.

Position your screen to avoid glare from overhead lights or windows. Close the blinds on your windows or switch to lower-watt bulbs in your desk lamp. If you can’t change the lighting to minimise glare, buy a glare filter for your screen.

Maintaining a good posture while using computers can reduce neck, back, and eye strain. If you’re looking back and forth between a screen and reference materials, keep the materials where you can see them with minimal head movement. Avoid creating a setup where you’re swivelling your head, too.

For the best angle, the centre of the screen, tablet or phone should be 20 to 28 inches from your eyes and 4 to 5 inches below eye level.

Regular breaks and looking away from the screen can reduce eye strain and fatigue. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a chance to refocus. And after two hours of continual computer use, rest your eyes for 15 minutes.

Screen settings such as brightness, contrast, and text size can reduce eye strain and fatigue. The brightness of your screen should not be left at the default setting - but adjusted according to the brightness of the room that you’re in. See below for more details.

Eye Drops and Eye Sprays can help lubricate the eyes and reduce dryness and discomfort. Always use preservative-free - as this prevents long-term sensitivity.

People usually blink about 18 times a minute. But when they’re on digital screens, they blink at a quarter of this rate - about 6 times a minute. This increases the chance of developing dry eyes. To reduce this risk, blink more often and freshen your eyes periodically with lubricating eye drops or sprays.

Keep air vents or drafts from blowing into your face and drying out your eyes. Low humidity in a room can also dry eyes out faster than usual - try adding a humidifier. Dust, too, can irritate eyes and accumulate on your screen - decreasing the screen’s sharpness and may cause eye strain.

When choosing a digital device, consider factors such as screen size, text size, and screen brightness to ensure that you’re not causing unnecessary strain on your eyes. Also, it’s worth noting that some devices, such as e-readers, cause less strain on the eyes than others, such as smartphones and tablets.

Wearing special blue light glasses or lenses designed for computer use MAY reduce eye strain and fatigue. The evidence is limited. We discuss this in more detail - see below.

Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist if your symptoms are persistent or worsen.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and digital eye strain are the same. The symptoms of both conditions include eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. CVS is also called digital eye strain because it is caused by the prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The terms are often used interchangeably to describe the discomfort experienced by people who spend extended periods in front of digital screens.

The duration of Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment. In most cases, taking regular breaks from prolonged screen time and following the above tips for preventing CVS can help relieve symptoms within a few days to a week. However, if symptoms persist, it is important to consult an eye doctor to rule out any underlying vision problems contributing to the issue.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is not a disease or a permanent condition but rather a group of symptoms caused by prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Therefore, CVS cannot be cured, but it can be managed and prevented.
Manage and prevent Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) by adjusting your workspace, taking regular breaks, and using preservative-free drops and sprays. Underlying vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can also contribute to CVS, which can be treated with corrective lenses or vision therapy.

Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome is the key to addressing this issue. Here are some tips for preventing CVS:

• Position your screen properly: The screen should be at an arm’s length distance away from your eyes, and the top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
• Adjust your computer’s display settings: Adjusting the screen’s brightness and contrast can help reduce eye strain. Watch my video above for a handy trick.
• Reduce glare: Position your screen to avoid glare from windows or overhead lights. Use an anti-glare screen filter if necessary.
• Take regular breaks: Following the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent CVS by resting your eyes from prolonged screen time.
• Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help detect any underlying vision problems that could contribute to CVS.
• Use proper lighting: Proper lighting can help reduce eye strain. Use a desk lamp or other light source to provide adequate lighting for your workspace.
• Use artificial tears: If you experience dry eyes, using preservative-free drops and sprays can help keep your eyes moist and reduce discomfort.