Computer Vision Syndrome
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If you spend 2 or more hours a day using a computer it may potentially be hazardous to your health! Computer Vision Syndrome is an eye problem that affects many individuals who spend a large part of their days staring at computers. But it’s not just the computer screen that is causing this eye problem.
Where you do your computer work can also be adding to the problem. Not enough lighting, glare from windows, fluorescent lighting, sitting too close or too far away from the computer screen and the way in which the contents are being displayed on the screen can all make this syndrome worse.
On a computer screen lines are not straight as they are on printed sheet of paper or book, which the eye can easily focus on. Your eyes instead have to constantly focus and refocus on pixels or tiny dots and that’s what creates fatigue and strain.Â
Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms
Headache – due to the eye-strain
Aches & Pains – especially of the shoulders and neck due to poor posture at the computer because the wearer is sitting at an unnatural position/angle in order to obtain good vision
Dry Eyes – due to reduced blinking
Tired Eyes –due to strain focusing on the screen
Blurred Vision – due to decreased tears and focusing difficulties
If you have some or all of these symptoms you should see your eye doctor. If it is determined that you do have Computer Vision Syndrome then they most likely will prescribe a pair of computer glasses. These are single-vision glasses with a low “plus†power addition that provides slight magnification, a light tint (possibly rose or gray) to make reading more relaxing on the eyes, and a UV coat to reduce harmful radiation from the screen.
Who is at risk?
Anyone, male or female is at risk of developing Computer Vision Syndrome if they spend long periods of time working at a computer. The people who develop symptoms of this syndrome tend to not take breaks, whether physical or visual. Getting up from the computer and focusing on something other than the screen every hour or so is important to prevent the onset of this syndrome.Â
Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment
When you realize you maybe at risk here are some steps you can take to treat or prevent the problem:
Make sure you have the right lighting – eyestrain occurs when the light coming from outside or inside is too bright. You should reduce outside light by drawing shades/blinds – this will make the monitor easier to read. Reduce interior light where possible also, But not to dark this makes the screen to bright unless you…
Adjust the screen brightness & contrast on your screen – make sure the contrast is the best for reading text and the brightness is adjusted for maximum comfort
Minimize glare – keep obvious light sources away from areas where reflection will be a problem. If you have trouble seeing the screen, don’t fight it, fix it. Use an anti-glare filter on the screen, or consider an anti-reflective coating on your glasses              Â
Finally, if you have dry scratchy eyes seek treatment right away. Most times eye drops will help. But if you just put up with it you might find you can’t find the computer screen because it hurts too much to open your eyes as they are scratched so much. Then you will have a not needed break from your computer and anything else you want to see.
