Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
Get relief now. Find out how. If you spend more than two hours per day in front of a digital screen, it’s likely that you will experience some degree of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods and the level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use. |
CVS Symptoms
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also referred to as Digital Eye Strain, describes a set of eye and vision-related problems that are caused by prolonged use of digital devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers or cell phones.
Symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) include:
Symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) include:
- Eyestrain
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of focus
- Dry or burning eyes
CVS Causes
Common causes of CVS include
- Poor lighting
- Glare on a digital screen
- Improper viewing distances
- Poor seating posture
- Uncorrected vision problems
- A combination of these factors
CVS Prevention
Regular eye check-ups and proper viewing set-up when using digital devices can help to prevent or reduce the development of the symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. Proper workstation set-up and usage is critical.
- Position the top of the monitor just below a level horizontal with your eyes
- Tilt the top of the screen away from you at a 10-20 degree angle
- Upgrade to an LCD and/or use an antiglare film to minimize glare
- Use proper lighting and adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen to be the same as your work environment
- Blink your eyes more often and use eye drops to keep them lubricated
- Use the 20-20-20 guide: Every 20 minutes look at a point 20 feet away for 20 seconds
CVS Diagnosis
Computer Vision Syndrome can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on visual requirements at the working distance of the computer or other digital device may include: review of patient history, visual acuity measurements, a refraction test, and testing how the eyes focus, move and work together.
Computer Glasses
In some cases, individuals who do not normally wear glasses may benefit from glasses prescribed specifically for computer use. Persons who already wear glasses or contact lenses may also find that they do not provide optimal vision for viewing a computer. Special lens designs, lens powers or lens tints or coatings may help to optimize visual abilities for viewing digital devices. For some computer users, problems with eye focusing or eye coordination can't be adequately corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. In these cases, a program of binocular vision therapy may prove to be beneficial. Consult your eye professional who would be able to guide you appropriately on this.