Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Computer Vision Syndrome

By Brendon J. Weaver, O.D.

As people continue to become more reliant on technology, computer use is increasing among all age ranges, especially with baby boomers and seniors. Whether it’s for playing games, entertainment, e-mail, news, weather or general information, using computers can be a time-intensive hobby. As the recent years have passed, you may have found yourself using the computer more and more. With this continued computer usage, you may be unknowingly suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS).

Computer vision syndrome involves fluctuating, doubled or blurred vision, eye redness and dryness, eye strain or fatigue, and headaches. Some people develop one or many of these symptoms, which can arise after a few hours or as quickly as a few minutes. Even if you are wearing updated corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contacts), you can still experience CVS.

There are two main causes to computer vision syndrome. One reason is a problem with an eye’s ability to accommodate, or to focus properly. The other problem is the ability of both eyes to work well together, to form a single, clear image. This usually occurs when your eye muscles weaken or get tired. Whether it is late in the day or you are doing excessive reading or computer work, one or both of these functions may break down and cause the numerous symptoms of CVS.

The best way to relieve eyestrain is to have your vision evaluated by an eye care professional, so that he/she may be able to examine your eye muscle function and your ability to accommodate. Your eye doctor may recommend a separate pair of eyeglasses for computer tasks, to make everything more clear and comfortable. But there are other things that you can do on your own to alleviate symptoms of extended computer use.

The main goal is to minimize glare. Sometimes you can’t change the position of the computer monitor. But if you can, position the monitor directly in front or slightly below eye level. This minimizes reflections from lights on the ceiling. There are also anti-glare screens that can be placed on the monitor, but you can also adjust the brightness and the contrast levels to make the viewing area more comfortable to your eyes. Also, you should check the refresh rate level of your computer screen. If it’s too low, the screen will flicker and be very bothersome. A refresh rate level of 70 Hz or higher should be adequate. Finding the right resolution of the monitor’s display is also important. High resolution is best, but sometimes if it’s too high, the print and pictures may appear very small.

Unwanted light reflections can add to glare issues and CVS. If possible, use window blinds or curtains to reduce bright reflections of incoming sunlight. Desk lamps should be pointed away from your eyes and the computer screen to also reduce glare.

It is important to remember to blink regularly and keep your eyes from drying out. When people concentrate—either from reading or looking at a computer screen—their eyes tend to become dry, usually a result from a decrease of their normal blink rate. You can also use artificial tear lubricating eyedrops (brands such as Systane, Refresh, Optive work well) if your eyes feel dry or tired, especially if you are a contact lens wearer. Taking scheduled breaks from staring at the computer screen will also allow your eyes to relax. Optimally, it would be great to take a 5-10 minute break and look away from the computer screen into the distance for every one hour of computer work.

These are just some of the tips recommended for computer vision syndrome. First and foremost, if you suffer from symptoms relating to CVS, I would strongly recommend that you get your eyes checked out from an eyecare professional. Any slight blur in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription will cause symptoms of CVS, and updating your prescription may be enough to alleviate your complaints. But if you are still having problems after seeing your eye doctor, feel free to try some of the tips mentioned above to see if you notice an improvement.

Contact:
Brendon J. Weaver, O.D.
Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons, LTD.
1802 Papermill Rd.
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-372-0712
askdoctorweaver@yahoo.com