COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME: CAUSES AND PREVENTION

In today’s ever-connected world, you likely spend a large portion of your day staring at a digital screen. Whether for work or for leisure, looking at a brightly-lit computer screen or smart device for hours on end can put serious strain on your eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as CVS, is a series of symptoms that can leave your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable the longer you’re working on a screen. Here are some common causes of CVS and how you can prevent it.

WHAT CAUSES COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME?
Computer vision syndrome is similar to many other repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Spending long hours in front of a computer requires you to constantly focus and refocus your eyes. As you look back and forth between monitors, your eyes constantly adjust, straining your eye muscles. We also tend to blink less when staring at a lit screen, which can lead to dry eyes and blurry vision.

Ultimately, computer vision syndrome is caused by an improper work environment and lack of eyeglasses or contact lenses. The extra contrast, ﬂicker and glare from a screen, paired with using an outdated prescription, can lead to eye irritation, blurred vision, headaches, muscle fatigue and more. Fortunately, there are preventative measures to take to prevent computer vision syndrome.

PREVENTING COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
Most of the causes of computer vision syndrome are environmental factors that can be adjusted. If you’re experiencing CVS at work, take the following steps:
. Reduce Glare: Change the light in your room to prevent excess glare and harsh reﬂections on your computer screen by closing shades or moving your monitors away from light. If overhead lights are too bright, as for a dimmer switch. You can also add a desk lamp to even out the lighting across your workspace.
. Shift Your Office: Your screen should be just about an arm’s length away, about 20-28 inches from your face, and should stand straight and just below eye level. Reference documents should be as close to the screen as possible, either hung up behind the desk or held with a document holder.

When sitting at your desk, you should sit straight against a backrest, with your knees, forearms and elbows all bent at 90 degrees.
. Rest Your Eyes: The 20-20-20 rule says you should look away from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for around 20 seconds. Remind yourself to blink often, and use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry.
. Adjust Your Prescription: More than 70% of people who experience CVS also use eyeglasses or contacts. Making sure your prescription is up-to-date is an easy way to reduce the risk of CVS. Fortunately, Lake Eye is here to help.

TREAT COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME WITH LAKE EYE
By offering comprehensive eye exams in a full-service optical department and advanced surgical treatments for nearly every eye condition, Lake Eye, a US Eye company, is dedicated to preserving and restoring your vision. Learn more about our services by contacting us today and scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced ophthalmologists or optometrists.

Lake Eye Associates
352-632-2020
LakeEye.com