Computer Vision > Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome
Using the computer more than two hours a day is hard on the eyes. If you have astigmatism, are farsighted, or your eye prescription is different in each eye, this adds more strain to the focusing system. Also, if eyes don't work well together (the eyes drift apart due to poor eye muscle coordination from strabismus, convergence insufficiency or excess, and tracking problems), this can cause eyestrain and diminish your productivity also.
It is more tiring to read from a computer screen than a printed book because the pixels that form the letters are not stable, and have less contrast & definition than books. There is an electron beam that scans the monitor and recharges the illumination of each pixel frequently.
The eyes have to continuously "fill in the gaps" to keep the words in focus which causes fatigue and eyestrain. Printed books are easier on the eyes because the characters are dense and have well-defined edges.
Studies suggest that most computer users experience some level of eye discomfort from computer work; therefore, most people who work on a computer more than a couple hours daily could benefit from prescription computer glasses. This includes playing computer games, social networking like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Symptoms of CVS can include:
- Overall fatigue
- Headaches or eyestrain
- Dry, burning eyes
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Neck and shoulder pain
Treatment:
- Glasses prescribed for computers balance the eyes and eliminate the constant refocusing effort. This increases comfort, accuracy and productivity. Computer glasses are not the same prescription as reading glasses which are prescribed for a closer working distance of 14-16". Most computer screens are set at 20-24" away. Computer glasses may keep your eyes from getting worse (more nearsighted) by reducing
- Avoid visible flickering. The Refresh Rate should be set at a minimum of 75Hz.
- Vision Therapy to correct eye muscle problems.
- Take a 20/20 "eye break". Take a break every twenty minutes. Look into the distance for twenty seconds.
- Correct computer set-up: Do not have a window in front of or behind the computer screen. Overhead lights should be perpendicular. Dim the room lights to decrease glare and avoid washing out the computer screen and causing glare. Use a light on paper work.
- Use artificial tears to moisturize the eyes if they are dry.