Vision First July 2018 English

Computer
Vision
Syndrome
Digital screen time is significantly higher in all age
groups nowadays and also starts at a far younger
age. Most people in today’s world have jobs that
require them to stare at computer screens for long
hours. This can put a real strain on the eyes. Kids
who use tablets or play video games on computers
for long hours can also be affected.
When working at a computer, our eyes tend to
focus and refocus constantly. Our eyes move back
and forth as we read. We may have to look down
and then back up to type. The inner muscles of
the eyes have to react to changing images on the
screen so that the brain can process what we are
seeing. All these jobs require a lot of effort from the
eye muscles. And to make things worse, the screen
adds contrast, flicker, and glare; unlike a book or
piece of paper. This could lead to eye strain and
fatigue.
Uncorrected vision problems such as
farsightedness and astigmatism can lead to the
development of visual symptoms when using a
computer or digital screen device. If you need
glasses but don’t wear them, or if you wear the
wrong prescription spectacles for computer use,
you are likely to face more symptoms.
ye and vision-related problems that are caused by prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, tablets,
E e-readers and cell phones are known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). The number of people using digital
devices and the amount of time they spend looking at digital screens has gone up all over the world. Working adults
and children are equally affected by computer vision syndrome. It may affect older individuals too as senior citizens
are becoming increasingly tech-savvy nowadays.
A large number of people experience discomfort when viewing digital screens for extended periods of time. The level
of discomfort and vision problems appears to increase with the amount of time spent looking at a digital screen.
Research shows that between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some of the
following computer vision symptoms:
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain
These symptoms can intensify due to factors such as poor lighting, poor seating posture, improper viewing distance,
glare on the digital screen, uncorrected vision problems, or a combination of the above.
These simple practices can help reduce the effects of
computer vision syndrome:
• Make sure there is adequate lighting in the room. Good lighting prevents you from staring into the glare on the
computer screen. A screen glare filter can decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
• Establish proper working distances. Position the digital display so that your head is in a naturally comfortable
position for screen viewing.
• Take breaks regularly to prevent eyestrain. A few minutes away from the computer can go a long way when it comes
to your eyes. Use the 20-20-20 rule. i.e. every 20 minutes take a 20 second break to look at least 20 feet away into the
distance and relax your eyes.
• Make sure your seat is comfortable. A comfortable chair that conforms to the body encourages good posture and
will help you avoid neck and shoulder strain commonly associated with computer vision syndrome.
• Regular spectacles or contact lenses may not be adequate for computer work. Special lens designs with tints or
coatings that reduce the effects of extended computer viewing may help to maximize visual abilities and comfort.
• Blinking frequently can keep the front surface of the eye moist and minimizes your chances of developing dry eye
when using a computer.
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