How Computer Use Affects Your Vision
Dr. David Gross, Dr. Jamie Taffora, and Dr. Jeffrey Nelson are committed to helping the people of Merrillville, IN see clearly. That means offering state-of-the-art eye care treatments and tips on improving vision health. In the digital age, a lot of what we do involves helping people deal with computer vision syndrome (CVS).
The team at Deen-Gross Eye Centers would like to consider how computer screens affect your vision and the health of your eyes. We’ll then note ways of managing computer vision syndrome.
About Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
Also known as digital eye strain, computer vision syndrome is a reality for anyone whose life involves looking at screens for an extended amount of time. Laptops, tablets, cellphones, and televisions can all cause computer vision syndrome to occur.
In essence, computer vision syndrome is like carpal tunnel syndrome but on the eyes. When reading off of a screen, your eyes must constantly focus and refocus from line to line. This causes the eye muscles to experience strain and fatigue. Screens can also slow down your rate of blinking, leading to problems with eye lubrication.
Signs and Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
It’s estimated that 50 to 90 percent of all people who work at computers at the job experience some degree of computer vision syndrome. The most common signs and symptoms of computer vision syndrome include:
- Eye fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Dry eye
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Back pain
The 20-20-20 Rule to Manage Symptoms
One of the best ways to reduce the severity of computer eye syndrome is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. This means that every 20 minutes you should focus on something 20 feet away from you for about 20 seconds. They to take a full 15-minute break from looking at screens every two hours.
This may not seem like much, but over the course of a day it can make a major difference. Your eyes will feel less fatigued since they are given a chance to rest.
Proper Set Up for Monitors and Screens
Sometimes your ergonomic setup is a cause or contributing factor to computer vision syndrome. Ideally, monitors should be positioned just 15 to 20 degrees lower than eye level and positioned about 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes. Further adjustments to your working space can improve overall comfort while on the job.
Adjusting Your Lighting to Prevent Glare
Glare on the screen is a major contributing factor to eye strain. If you work near a window, be sure to use blinds or curtains to help prevent glare on your screen. Anti-glare screens can also help a great deal in this regard.
Glasses for Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
If you spend a lot of time looking at screens at work and at home, you may want to consider special glasses for computer use. These tinted glasses help reduce eye strain from staring at a monitor, and can make a major difference for people who are constantly looking at screens.
Contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers
To learn more about dealing with computer vision syndrome and how we can help you, be sure to contact the vision care specialists at Deen-Gross Eye Centers. Our team can answer questions about CVS and address any specific concerns you may have. Our Hobart office can be reached by phone at (219) 947-4410, and our Merrillville office can be reached at (219) 769-8989.