What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS, seems to affect just about everyone these days. From endless hours in front of a computer screen, to excessive amounts of text messaging and browsing on your smart phone and tablets, many people experience a range of problems from blurry eyesight to itchy eyes.
What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is a name assigned to a variety of problems associated with spending long hours in front of a digital device such as a TV screen or tablet computing device. Red eyes, dry eyes, burning eyes and blurry vision are just a few problems associated with this syndrome. More serious problems associated with the condition include headaches, fatigue and double vision which can even lead to occasional dizziness.
Overhead fluorescent lighting and the breeze from an air conditioning vent can further aggravate the problem. Dry eyes are a result of not blinking the eyes often enough. We have a tendency to over focus and stare intently at our computer screens and end up not blinking as much as we do when performing other activities.
How Can I Avoid Computer Vision Syndrome?
Take occasional breaks from the computer screen during the day to help provide some relief from work-related eye strain. Either close your eyes for 20 seconds a couple of times each hour or try the 20-20-20 method. Every twenty minutes try focusing your eyes on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a brief break from the hyper focus of looking at your computer screen all day long.
Eye drops have shown to be a remedy for dry and itchy eyes associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. Our optometrists recommend eye drops such as Natural Tears for temporary relief to help keep your eyes lubricated during excessive computer use.
If you haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, it’s advisable to see a Doctor of Optometry or Ophthalmologist for a routine eye exam. Eye doctors can decide if you have vision problems that need correction with a pair of prescription lenses or if your eyesight issues are simply a result of fatigue and overuse.
If determined you do not need corrective lenses, be sure to ask your optometrist about other options to help relieve your symptoms associated computer use