Tips for Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome

With today’s advances in technology, more and more people (both children and adults) are spending more time in front of a computer screen. Too much time in front of these screens can cause what is known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition that is best described as a collection of eye-related problems that combine to trigger extreme head pain after extensive computer use. Other culprits that can trigger CVS are Android phones and iPads. With routine care from your eye doctor in Jacksonville, Florida, you can treat or even prevent Computer Vision Syndrome.

Symptoms of CVS

You can suffer the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome even if you’re only in front of a computer screen for a few hours per day. And if you work from home or in an office setting, the effects of CVS can be truly severe. Some of the symptoms include: blurred vision, eyestrain, dry eyes, and pain in the shoulder and neck area. The most common symptom of CVS are headaches which can be mild to debilitating depending on the length of your exposure.

If your computer displays any sort of glare it can lead to head pain from the eye strain which in turn causes a flare up of Computer Vision Syndrome. Also sitting too close to your monitor or Android phone can trigger it. Poor posture and bad lighting are other contributors to the cause of CVS.

The Cause of Computer Vision Syndrome

When you view a computer screen, your eyes are forced to work harder than normal to focus on it. Studies have revealed that it is more difficult to read from a computer screen than printed text. The letters on the computer screen are often not as exact as printed ones. Combined with glare and the computer screen’s reflections, your eyes will have a much more challenging time attempting to read than if you were spending a long period of time with a printed book.

Since spatial differences contribute to the cause of CVS, it is recommended you sit at least one foot away. However, newer models that have the LCD screens usually come equipped with anti-reflective surfaces.

Treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome

If you believe you suffer from CVS, your eye doctor in Jacksonville, Florida can perform a special test that will properly diagnose you. The testing will include a review of patient history. Your optometrist will consider all of the factors on your chart, such as past or current medications, any health problems you may have and anything else that may be relevant. Then he or she will take measurements of visual sharpness in attempt to evaluate the extent in which your vision may be affected by the exposure. Then your eye doctor will perform a test to determine how your eyes move and work together. This is important because it will reveal if your eyes are working together or not.

How to Prevent CVS

If you think you may be suffering from CVS, there are some ways to prevent it. However, it is best to see an eye doctor to discuss your symptoms and possible treatment.

Lighting – Be sure to use proper lighting in the room you’re in.
Glare – Minimize as much glare as possible. This really only applies more so to older computers that don’t have LCD display screens.
Brightness and Contrast – Balance out your brightness and contrast on your computer screen to minimize the impact of the intensity on your eyes.
Blink Frequently – This may not sound necessary, but when you focus intently on something, you don’t blink as much. Blinking keeps your eyes moist and since dry eyes are a trigger for CVS, be sure to blink often.
Take Breaks – Remember to get up and stretch. Walk around and get away from the computer’s glare. It will relieve your eyes of the tension that’s caused from staring at a bright screen for long periods of time.
Adjust Monitor Height – At work this may be impossible to do, but increasing the height of your monitor will prevent you from having to look down on it thereby preventing neck pain.
Posture – Take note of your posture. Sitting slumped in your chair will only increase soreness in your neck and shoulder area. Poor posture can also put a strain on your lower back too, increasing your discomfort.
Proper Eye Care – This is a big one. Without routine eye exams, your prescription may change, which can trigger CVS. Be sure to keep your regular appointments every year with your eye doctor in Jacksonville, Florida.