3D-Eye Online
Munster, IN Treatment for Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and Eye Strain
The American Optometric Association reports that over seven out of 10 of the American citizens that work daily from a computer monitor (over 140 million individuals) suffer the affects of computer vision syndrome (CVS) or eye fatigue. Prolonged computer use can cause eye strain and impact eyesight in kids and adults. Anyone that works more than two hours each day in front of computer is at risk of some degree of computer vision syndrome.
Effects of Computer Induced Eye Fatigue
Prolonged computer use may result in some if not all of the common signs of computer eye strain including:
- Blurred or Double Vision
- Neck and Shoulder Pain, Headaches
- Difficulty Focusing
- Dry, Burning and Tired Eyes
What Are The Causes of Computer Induced Eye Fatigue?
Eye fatigue from excessive computer use is caused by the necessity for our visual systems to compensate for processing letters on a digital screen in a different way than they do for printed letters. Although our eyes have little problem focusing on printed content that contains dense black font with well-defined edges, they are not as adept with characters on a screen that lack the same degree of clarity and sharpness.
Characters on a digital screen are composed of combinations of tiny points of light (pixels), which are brightest in the center and lower in brightness toward the edges. Therefore it is harder for our visual processing center to keep focus on these images. Rather, our eyes reduce focus to the ''resting point of accommodation'' or RPA.
Our eyes involuntarily adjust to the resting point of accommodation and then strain to focus on the text. The continuous strain on the muscles of the eyes to focus results in the fatigue and eye strain that sometimes are present during and after use of a computer or digital device. CVS isn't just an issue for computer users. It's important to note that other electronic devices such as smart phones or tablets can result in similar eye fatigue that can be in some cases more severe. Since mobile screens are smaller in addition to pixilated the user often struggles even more to read text.
Treating Computer Vision Syndrome and Eye Fatigue
CVS can be extremely uncomfortable so if you are experiencing discomfort it is worthwhile to make an appointment with an eye care professional as soon as possible.
During an exam, your eye doctor will check to see if you have any particular vision issues that might contribute to computer vision syndrome. According to the results of these tests, your practicioner may prescribe ophthalmic computer eyeglasses to reduce discomfort at your computer screen. You should consider an anti-reflective coating for computer glasses. An anti-reflective coating reduces glare that may interfere with your ability to see images clearly on your computer.
Ergonomics for CVS
Visual Ergonomics, or setting up your workstation to reduce strains in vision or posture, can help minimize some physical symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Proper lighting and frequent breaks will help to some extent. However, since ergonomics alone cannot resolve problems with vision, wearing prescription computer eyeglasses is also necessary.
If you think you are suffering or at risk of CVS, contact our Munster, IN optometric office.
