Modernity comes with its own set of issues. Persons who have to sit in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time may find themselves suffering from computer vision syndrome. It is also known as digital eye strain. It results from looking at a digital screen for too long. This article will explain what CVS is, and how to prevent and treat it.

What can cause Computer Vision Syndrome?

Reading from a computer screen is different than from printed text. It demands a lot more from the eyes, as letters are often less precise and defined than when they are printed. Also, the level of contrast between the letters and the background will vary a lot, requesting for the eyes to adjust its vision. Furthermore, glare and reflections on the screen will make it even more tenuous. Lighter eye colour might be more susceptible to CVS.

If someone suffers from untreated vision problems, the difficulty of reading a text on a digital screen will augment, and the danger of suffering from computer vision syndrome will rise. But even individuals wearing corrective devices, such as glasses or contact lenses, may have more difficulty than others, when it comes to reading on a digital screen. It can even force some people into turning their heads in unhealthy ways, just to be able to read correctly. That will, in turn, create other problems, such as muscle spasms, back problems or neck and shoulders strains.

What are the Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome and their Causes?

Someone affected by CVS will find himself with eyestrain issues and will suffer from headaches. It will also cause them to have blurred vision and dry eyes. They will feel pain in their shoulders and neck, which can also go all the way down the back.

These symptoms come from a variety of elements which includes poor lighting, glare on the digital screen, improper viewing distances and a poor seating posture. It can also appear if someone has vision problems which remain uncorrected.

How to Diagnose Computer Vision Syndrome?

If you are wondering if you suffer from CVS, you will have to go through a comprehensive eye examination. It will include testing your eyes focus, in order to determine how well they work together. This is important as it enables you to see one single image. The information brought on by this test, and others, will enable the optometrist to diagnose CVS. He will be the one explaining the various treatments available, which we will now enumerate below.

What Are the Treatments Suitable for Computer Vision Syndrome?

There are various treatments to solve computer vision syndrome. Most of them have to do with how to look at the digital screen and how to correct it when it is wrong.

It is possible that the optometrist will suggest glasses, but only when you work in front of the digital screen, even if you don’t need them otherwise. If you do wear glasses or contact lenses, the prescription might be adapted, in order to solve this problem as well.

If eye focus cannot be corrected through glasses or contact lenses, then a program of vision therapy may be the solution. This consists of a visual training to improve visual abilities.

How to Prevent Suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome?

The best way to prevent suffering from CVS is by adapting the lighting where you work with a digital screen and reducing the amount of glare reflected from it. By adopting a good working distance from the digital screen and the right posture, you will reduce the danger. Also, make sure that you treat any issues you may have with your vision, so that it doesn’t get worse when you have to work on a computer.

Other Things You Should Keep in Mind if you suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome

Go through an eye examination every year, so that your prescription is adapted. That will reduce the strain on your eyes and will make it easier for you to look at a digital screen for longer periods of time.

Try to reduce the discomfort created by the blue light and the glare, as it can affect your vision in the long-term. There are glasses and contact lenses treated to protect you against the negative effects of blue light. As for the glare, it can be reduced by filters, that you can buy in computer stores. However, adjusting the outside light coming into the office, as well as the electrical lighting, can help a lot.

The problem might also come from the fact that you don’t have the right office equipment. Buying a desk and a chair adapted for working on a computer may solve a large part of the problem. Look for a table that will be about 26 inches (70cm) high and place the computer screen at a distance of 16 to 30 inches (40 to 75cm) from your eyes.