Computer Vision Syndrome: Management and Prevention Tips

Your work may force you to sit for long in front of computer screens which puts a lot of stress and strain on the eyes. Your eyes are indeed a blessing. Every day we end up working 8-9 hours in front of screens and then return home to further strain eyes in front of television screens and smartphones. This may result in computer vision syndrome.

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

The term computer vision syndrome describes all the eye or vision issues that results from long digital exposure our eyes have to go through. Today this condition is affecting more than 60 percent of global population. Precautions need to be taken or further eye straining may damage our sense of sight or may lead to inevitable eye complications.

Computer eye syndrome is also known as digital eye strain. This condition not only affects the adults, but also children who spend too much time staring smartphones or tabs or laptops.

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?

Just like other motion injuries, we acquire at work such as carpal tunnel syndrome, computer vision syndrome is caused due to the repetitive movement of our eyes on the same path for longer duration’s. Your eyes focus and refocus constantly again and again. It keeps moving back and fro, from computer screen to other things you have to read, type or write down and also

constantly your eyes has to react to the changing images. Such jobs put a lot of pressure on the muscles of the eyes.
Causes that lead to computer vision syndrome are not using anti-glare glasses while working in front of screens, poor light, incorrect vision etiologies, advancing age, constant glare on the screen and improper viewing distance and posture.

What Are the Symptoms Of Computer Vision Syndrome?

The symptoms of computer vision syndrome include eye fatigue, floaters, double vision, blurred vision, irritated eyes, burning eyes, back pain, neck pain and headaches.
So if you are the one who spends lots of time in front of eyes and experiencing these symptoms see your ophthalmologist and follow the tips given in the article to treat and or prevent the progress of computer vision syndrome.

Management of Computer Vision Syndrome

The first step will be to consult an ophthalmologist for the eye examination. Once it is confirmed that symptoms are due to computer vision syndrome you need to make a change in your working style to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Your doctor may prescribe contact lenses and glasses to wear while working in front of the screen. Besides this you need to make the following changes to your work space:

1. Re position The Light Source-

If there are light sources in the working room that casts a glare at your laptop or computer screen, it needs to be re positioned or change the position of your working desk. The light source should neither be coming from the back or front, but from the sides.

2. The 20-20-20 Rule-

In every 20 minutes give a break to your eyes and look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

3. Distance Of Working Desk-

Make sure the desk is at 20-28 inches from your face and slightly below the level of your eyes.

4. Blinking-

Make sure to blink your eyes every minute while typing or reading on screen.

5. Take a 15 minute break-

After every 2 hours of working in front of a screen take a break. Close your eyes for 15 minutes and give your eyes rest.
Bring these little changes in your working habit, and it will work as a wonder in preventing complications with eyesight in the long run.

You cannot shorten your working hours, but you can surely avoid or limit the use of smartphones and watching television to avoid extra pressure on your eyes.

Make sure to eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals especially vitamin A. Practice eye exercises such as rotating
your eyes clockwise or simply staring far for a few seconds every now and then. If you wear contact lenses, we will advise to give contact lenses a break and wear glasses while working in front of a laptop or computer screens.

Besides following the tips mentioned in this article to treat or prevent computer vision syndrome see your ophthalmologist for regular check ups.

LINK:

https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome#1

https://www.sankaranethralaya.org/patient-care-cvc.html