Computer Vision Syndrome

Do I have Computer Vision Syndrome? How to position my monitor? Do I need glasses for computer work?
Today we not only sit at a computer all day at work but when we get home at night we tend to turn on the PC and continue to stare at a screen in order to organize our private lives. Many people in today’s world experience a number of discomforts in relation to spending too much time in front of a computer. These discomforts have been given the term ?computer vision syndrome? (CVS). Studies say that more than 70% of all computer users report some form of computer vision syndrome. Chances are that the remaining 30% may also suffer from CVS but they don’t recognize it as such. Many people are not aware of the harm they do to themselves by staring at a computer for hours on end. If you spend more than two hours a day on the computer you are at risk of developing CVS and should take measures to prevent it. Don’t worry though - working with a computer will not ruin your vision and CVS can be prevented.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
The American Optometric Association identified 14 symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

• Tired eyes
• Eyestrain
• Sore eyes
• Periodic blurred near vision
• Occasional blurred distance vision
• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Slowness in accommodation focusing of the eyes
• Red eyes
• Burning eyes
• Contact lens discomfort
• Changes in color perception
• Glare sensitivity
• Excessive tearing

Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome
Working at a computer all day is physically more demanding than it looks. Ergonomic specialists will confirm that the eyes suffer the most.

When using a computer we tend not to blink as often because we are always re-focusing. This decrease in blinking causes the eyes to dry out and become red and irritated.

Improper lighting is one of the major causes of CVS. It is important to have adequate lighting but we often have too much light when working at a computer screen. It is important that lighting is evenly distributed and that there are no bright lights in your field of vision. Too much light can cause glare. Most of us work in offices with overhead lighting. This lighting goes directly into the eyes.

Squinting is a natural reaction of the eyes to glare produced by computer screens, fluorescent lights, and sunlight through a window. Squinting can cause headaches and tired eyes. Headaches can also be caused by looking at the fuzzy edges caused by pixels on a computer screen.

Poor quality computer screens can be a hazard to your eyes. Low resolution, low pixel numbers and high contrast colors can put an extra strain on the eyes when reading from a screen. Computer screens often flicker without us noticing because we have become so used to it.

Reflections on the computer screen can cause light to shine in your eyes or on your screen causing symptoms of CVS. Reflections on the computer screen may block out parts of the screen forcing the user to move around to try and distinguish the object missing on the screen.

Proper sitting position is essential to comfort at the PC. Sitting at a computer for longer periods of time can also cause orthopedic problems such as back, neck, or shoulder pain.

Continually staring at the computer screen can wear on your eyes. They eyes need a break from repetitious work and need to change its focus distance several times within an hour.

If you feel that you are suffering from CVS take steps to prevent it. Male an appointment at DAVIS EYECARE to have your eyes checked and talk about whether computer glasses or contact lenses might a good solution for you. If you feel more comfort at your PC - you will be able to work more effectively in the future.