Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome

Do you spend more than a few hours a day in front of your computer or another digital screen? If so, you must be familiar with the headaches, blurry vision, and fatigue associated with such prolonged screen use. You are also likely to have experienced a condition known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). A prevalent condition marked by dryness to the eye’s surface and excessive eye strain from focusing, CVS affects an estimated 80 million people in the United States. While it is not a disease that damages the eyes like diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, CVS can be uncomfortable. Here are some ways to prevent computer vision syndrome:
 

• Get a Comprehensive Eye Examination. If you suspect that you have CVS, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor, especially if you haven’t had one in the past 12 months. There you will receive an assessment of your symptoms that will uncover potential causes of your eyestrain. Your eye doctor will measure your visual acuity and determine if you have any refractive errors as well. You will also be tested to see how well your eyes focus together.

• Ask About Special Computer Glasses. Electronic devices like your computer, smartphone, and television emit blue light, which has been found to disrupt the sleep and wake cycles. Spending too much time staring at screens can keep you from getting a night of restful sleep. Prescription and non-prescription computer glasses work like the night-mode setting on your phone. They have special lenses that block blue light. This relaxes your eyes when you use your digital devices and helps your body maintain its natural day-night cycle.

• Improve Your Viewing Environment. Another way to prevent CVS symptoms is to employ visual ergonomics, which optimize your workstation and reduce the discomfort associated with prolonged computer use. To improve your viewing environment, you should consider adjusting your desk height, chair, lighting, computer display settings, and sitting posture. Taking these steps can help you avoid the risk of disorders affecting your muscles, joints, and spine, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and neck and back pain.

• Take a Break and Exercise Your Eyes. Staring at a digital screen for hours on end can strain your eyes. This is because you tend to blink less often, which makes your eyes dry. An exercise called the 20-20-20 rule can help. With the 20-20-20 rule, you will take a visual break from your screen every 20 minutes to look at an object from 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Doing this will allow your eyes to relax periodically. Your eye doctor may also recommend specific eye exercises, or vision therapy, to improve your eye movement, coordination, and focusing skills.

• Drink Lots of Water and Eat a Well-Balanced Diet. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that proper hydration and good nutrition are beneficial for your eyes and entire body. Dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms associated with CVS. On the other hand, a healthy, balanced diet promotes eye health and good vision.

The first step to ensuring your eyes’ long-term health is to pay attention to potential signs of CVS. The symptoms may not be permanent, but undiagnosed vision problems can sometimes exacerbate the condition. Are you looking for more tips to protect your eyes from constant computer use? Call our eye experts today at Manheim Family Eye Care in Manheim, Pennsylvania at 717-423-8400.