Are you a college student? Do you work in an office? Do you love playing massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs)? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ve probably encountered computer vision syndrome. Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, results from heavy use of not only computers, but also cell phones, tablets, e-readers, and other devices. Luckily, there are easy ways to cope with and cure the symptoms of CVS.
Do your eyes feel “tired” after a lot of screen time? You’re not alone.
Image Source: Blend Images/Peter Dressel
What are the causes of computer vision syndrome?
In order to treat and prevent CVS, it’s important to first understand its causes. Primarily, the more time you spend staring at a computer screen, the more severe your symptoms may be. The screen that you are viewing may be the problem, as CVS can arise from a screen’s glare. Contrasted to reading a book, for example, reading a digital screen may cause more problems due to the lower contrast between the letters and the background.
According to The Vision Council, 72% of adults are unaware that digital devices emit blue light, a high-energy visible light known to be one of the most damaging types of light to retinal cells. Damage to the retina, a structure in the eye that processes the intensity of light and color, can lead to long-term visual impairment, since the retina cannot regenerate or be replaced. Moreover, our eye muscles work hard to refocus every time we encounter a new image. In addition, people who already have any sort of vision impairment, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism, are at an increased risk for CVS.
What are the symptoms of computer vision syndrome?
On average, one in four children spend at least three hours a day utilizing digital devices, whereas three in five adults spend at least five hours a day. Fortunately, numerous symptoms of CVS are only temporary. CVS symptoms include redness, irritation, dry eyes, reduced blinking, blurred vision, fatigue, back and neck pain, and headaches. Additionally, we blink 18 times per minute on average, but prolonged computer use can reduce this rate, causing eye trouble.
How can you prevent computer vision syndrome?
A good idea to remember is the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, take your eyes off of the screen and look at an object or person 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It is also important to remind yourself to blink more often to assist in your body’s production of tears, which moisten and refresh your eyes. If you wear glasses to correct your vision, it may be wise to invest in anti-reflective lenses, which decrease the reflection from lighting to better acuity and contrast. Ideally, your computer screen should be four to five inches below eye level, as measured from the center of the screen, and 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes. The more steps taken to prevent CVS, the better off your eyes will be in the future, and the better you’ll be able to use your devices!
