Computer Vision Syndrome

Reviewed by - Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman & Managing Director

We live in a digital world with most of our lives revolving around the internet. Many modern-day professions and even academic coursework require long screentime. As a result, most of us spend a large part of our day looking at screens, like desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets etc.

This has led to a modern vision imperfection known as computer vision syndrome. This article will help you understand computer vision syndrome, identify its symptoms and learn some essential eye safety tips or ‘hacks’ to prevent the same.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

A syndrome is a set of medical signs or symptoms which are correlated with each other. These are often associated with a specific disorder or disease.

Computer Vision Syndrome is associated with the imperfections caused by exposure of eyes to computer screens over a long period of time. It leads to eye irritation: dry eyes, itchy eyes, and red eyes, blurred vision, headaches and even backaches.

What causes Computer Vision Syndrome?

Prolonged exposure of vision to digital screens causes this disorder. However, the emphasis is on computer screens because of some other factors.

Working on your computer screen commands some attention on the screen. It causes the computer user to blink less.

On average, a person blinks 12 to 15 times per minute. But when a person is focused on the screen like a computer, he/she blinks only 2-3 times per minute. This is one of the main causes of Computer Vision Syndrome.

The other factors include the distance of the screen from the eyes and the air conditioning of the room.

Now let’s understand how these two factors lead to computer vision syndrome.

Lesser Blinks

If a person spends more time sitting in AC rooms, there is high chance that their eyes get dry due to the surroundings. The cool air extracts moisture from the eyes making them cool and dry.

Air conditioning of the room

If a person spends more time sitting in AC rooms, there is high chance that their eyes get dry due to the surroundings. The cool air extracts moisture from the eyes making them cool and dry.

Positioning of the screen

In a typical office set-up, our screens are placed at eye level. Staring at the screen in this position a greater part of the white section of the eye is exposed to the screen. This means a greater portion of the eye gets dry.

Another important point to ponder about the position of the screen is the distance of the screen from our eyes.

Our eyes have muscles which expand and contract like any other muscle. If we focus on a nearby object, like the computer screen, for long, over time the muscles set themselves up to focus the nearby objects only. As a result, it might cause short-sightedness.

Now that you understand what causes computer vision syndrome and how, let us learn about its symptoms.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

Though CVS has not been found to cause any permanent damage to the eyes, its painful symptoms are known to affect performance at work and at home. Some common symptoms of computer vision syndrome include:

Irritation in the eye: This could include dry eyes, itchy eyes and red eyes.

Blurry vision: CVS might result in short-sightedness which makes distant objects blurry.

Headaches
Neckaches
Backaches

Now let’s have a look at some remedies to avoid computer vision syndrome.

Remedies for Computer Vision Syndrome

So far you have learnt a lot about CVS. It’s a disorder that’s becoming more and more common in the digital era. There is a possibility that you might feel scared about contracting this disorder. Don’t worry. Here are some small remedies you can take to avoid CVS and have healthy and normal vision.

Remember to Blink

This is probably the most important and easiest way to avoid CVS. Remember to blink and you are good to go.

Blinking keeps your eyes hydrated and the cornea oxygenated. This is crucial for healthy eyes and perfect vision.

Adjust the height of the screen

Keep your screen height a bit lower than your eye level. About 25o lower height will do this without causing stress to the eyes or strain on the neck.

This minimizes the exposure of the white region of the eye and reduces its chances of getting dry.

20 20 20 rule

The muscles in your eye adjust themselves to produce clear images of objects at a short distance when you spend more time looking at the screens.

You can avoid this by looking at distant objects now and then. The simple 20 20 20 rule helps you remind to look at distant objects.

After every 20 minutes of looking at your screen, look at an object at a distance of about 20 feet for about 20 seconds. This simple rule will keep your eyes exercised and focused for both short and long distant focus.

These three simple changes will do miracles. A few lifestyle changes like taking breaks from the screen and standing up, walking, and being active will also avoid back pain that could be caused by CVS.

If you are suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome and seeking a better solution, visit one of the branches of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital for safe eye treatment and get the best consultancy and treatment.