Do you have a Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use.

Did you know that the most frequent health related complaints among workers at computers are visually related?

Some of the most common symptoms are:

headache
blurred vision
dry or irritated eyes
neck or backache
double vision

70-90% of these complaints are visual in nature. Musculoskeletal disorders account for 22 percent of computer-related complaints. Musculoskeletal disorders - back, neck, and shoulder discomfort - are often related to vision as well: many computer users try to position awkwardly to achieve adequate vision for the computer.

How are these symptoms related to your eyes?

The image of the computer screen is a series of lighted spots
lacking sharp edges,
unlike printed material.

Often, the focusing system of our eyes cannot lock into the type of image we see on computer screens.

(Your eye is like a camera. The light rays from the image enter the eye and the lens inside of your eye projects the image to the film or the retina.)

With the computer screen's unresolvable image, the lens inside your eye is constantly trying to focus. This continuous cycle of refocusing often results in headaches, eye strain, blurred or double vision.


The solution for CVS could be as simple as prescribing glasses for computer use. Your optometrist can design a pair of prescription glasses made specifically for your eyes.

Are your eyes dry, red or irritated?

Dry, red, or irritated eyes may result from staring at the computer screen and our tendency to decrease blinking during concentrated near work. Blinking helps to spread the tears and remoisturize the surface of your eyes.

The eyes may also become dry if your computer screen is placed too high. The higher position of the computer screen directs your eyes to look upward which forces them to open up wider than normal. The top of the screen should be placed slightly below eye level (10-20 degrees lower).

Additionally, dry air and an air conditioned office environment may further irritate your eyes. This irritation may be relieved by a regular use of artificial tears from your optometrist. Take short breaks during concentrated near work. You should relax your eyes by looking away from the computer screen (i.e.through a window) for a few minutes every 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Anytime you experience symptoms like headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tears or dry eye, pain in the eyes or excessive blinking or squinting, visit your docotor of optometry for a comprehensive exam.

Be sure to tell the doctor about the computer work that you do and provide them with a measurement of your working distance from the computer.


For more information regarding your vision, please visit your local optometrist.

This page was written by Sirpa Carey and Julie Hurd.