Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes and Treatment
Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, is a group of vision and eye-related problems occurring due to prolonged exposure to computers, smartphones, tablets, and all other kinds of screens that emit the lighting. People suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome experience vision problems and eye discomfort when viewing digital screens for longer durations.
How computers and smartphones affect vision?
Experts have stated that Computer Vision Syndrome is much the same as carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries that can happen in the workplace. It happens because our eye follows the same path time and again, and it gets only worse if the eyes continue to follow the same path.
When you stare at a digital screen, your eye is continuously focusing and refocusing all the time. As you watch or read, your eyes move back and forth. Your eyes react to things constantly changing and moving, shifting focus, and transmitting constantly varying objects/images to the brain. This is a demanding task for your eyes and needs a lot of effort from the eye muscles. To make it worse, the digital screen adds glare, flicker, and contrast. This makes you blink far less than often, causing your eyes to dry out. As a result, it blurs your vision periodically and, thus, leads to Computer Vision Syndrome.
The situation worsens, especially if you are already suffering from eye trouble. Like, if you wear glasses or contact lenses for poor sight, you are prone to suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome if you don’t take necessary measures.
The symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome are:
- Eye irritation
- Dry, red eyes
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Back or neck pain
- Headaches
Treating Computer Vision Syndrome:
There are a few simple ways using which you can improve from the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome and prevent any new symptoms.
- Reduce the glare on your computer screen by changing the lighting around you
- Tweak your computer brightness and contrast settings to something that doesn’t strain your eyes
- Give your eyes some necessary breaks in-between work
- Rearrange your desk position so that the monitor or screen is just below your eye level