Computer vision syndrome is the result of all the digital exposure through which we pass our eyes. Worldwide, this syndrome affects around 60 million people. If we take steps to correct it and continue to strain our eyes without taking basic precautions, more eye complications may inevitably occur.
If you want to know what it is, what causes it, what its symptoms are and how to prevent it, keep reading! Here we will tell you everything you need to know.
What is computer vision syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is a term used to describe all eye or vision problems that occur as a result of prolonged computer use. It is also commonly known as digital eyestrain.
Researchers believe that around 50% to 90% of people who work in front of a computer screen have at least some symptoms.
However, not only working adults are affected. Children who stare at tablets or computers for too long can develop problems too, especially if the lighting and their posture are far from ideal.
How do computers affect vision?
Computer vision syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as other motion injuries you are likely to suffer due to work. It is caused by the repetitive movement of your eyes in the same way for long periods.
When you are constantly looking at the computer, your eyes have to constantly focus and refocus, over and over again. They keep going back and forth from the computer to other things that you may have to read or write in between. They also react to changing images on computer screens.
While these tasks may seem easy, they require a lot of strain on the eye muscles.
What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?
Some common causes of computer vision syndrome are:
- Not wearing reading or anti-reflective glasses regularly.
- Older age
- Uncorrected eye conditions
- Poor lighting
- Glare on digital screens
- Improper posture or viewing distances
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome are:
- Blurred or double vision
- Asthenopia (eye strain)
- Eye floaters
- Burning feeling in the eyes
- Dry eyes
- The eyes may become red and watery.
- Irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Back or neck pain
How is computer vision syndrome diagnosed?
The ophthalmologist can help diagnose the condition by doing an eye exam. Particular attention can be paid to how your eyes work and how they respond at different distances from the computer screen.
Your doctor may also ask you questions about your symptoms and how much time you spend in front of the computer screen to confirm the diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, you may be asked to make a few simple changes to your work style. The following are some of the widely accepted practices for treating the condition.
How to treat it
Once you are diagnosed with computer vision syndrome, it is very important that you visit your ophthalmologist for regular check-ups to prevent your eyesight from deteriorating further.
Prescriptions may include glasses or contact lenses depending on your needs. You may be given a pair of regular glasses to wear while looking at the screen, or you may be asked to get a special pair. Plain, bifocal, or tinted lenses may also be prescribed to increase contrast while filtering out the glare.
Some simple changes to your workspace that can do wonders for your long-term vision.
- Change any lighting that may dazzle your computer screen. You can also reposition your computer if the cause is light from a nearby window.
- Install a dimmer switch on ceiling fixtures that could dazzle your screen.
- Rearrange your desk slightly below eye level and 20 to 28 inches from your face.
- Give your eyes a break by looking at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. This is called the 20-20-20 rule.
- Adjust the font size and brightness of your computer so you don’t have to strain your eyes too much.
Prevention Tips
While you do not need to reduce the screen time completely to prevent computer vision syndrome come back, some changes in the way you use it can make things easier for your eyes.
- Use an anti-glare screen filter or a matte screen filter on your computer, phone, and on your tablet screens.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule.
- Take a break, let’s say, for about 15 minutes after every 2 hours of continuous screen use.
- If your eyes tend to dry out frequently, use artificial tears to lubricate them.
- Put a humidifier in the room near the screens to prevent your eyes from drying out.
- Make sure your surrounding lighting is bright enough for your screens.
- If you wear contact lens, wear your glasses and give your lenses a break while using the computer screen.
- Have an ophthalmologist check your eyes regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in various vitamins and minerals.
- Practice eye exercises like blinking slowly, rotating your eyes clockwise, or just looking away for a few seconds every now and then.
- The way you sit in front of the screen and the distance you sit from it also play a role when it comes to computer vision syndrome.
See also Tips to take care of your sense of sight
Proper body position while using a computer
- Sit close to the keyboard and put it in front of your body.
- Adjust the level of your keyboard so that your shoulders are relaxed and your wrists and hands are parallel to the keyboard.
- Wrist rests can help.
- Sit an arm’s length away from the computer screen.
- Put the screen slightly below eye level.
- The centre of the screen should be at least 10-15 degrees below eye level.
- Take short breaks every 1-2 hours.
- Do not use digital screens during your break.
- It is very easy to neglect the misery that your eyes go through in your busy day to day life. However, a little care and a few lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in promoting eye health.
ALFA