Luke is a graphic designer, and he sits in front of his computer for around 8-10 hours a day. He has been facing frequent headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes at the end of each working day for quite some time now. Initially, he had taken it to be stress-related. Still, later when he visited an eye doctor, he was diagnosed with digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, for that matter.
His eye doctor explained that unrelieved long periods of screen time with no break or readjustment was the cause of her symptoms. Luke learned about the essential 20-20-20 rule, proper positioning of her screens, and she had to take regular breaks. He also adopted blue light-blocking glasses and set the brightness of his screens to match his surroundings. Luke’s symptoms dramatically reduced within a few weeks of changing those habits. Headaches and eye fatigue from computers decreased, and at the end of the day, his eyes did not hurt.
Let’s discuss this computer vision syndrome in more detail.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome
Another name used for the term Computer Vision Syndrome is Computer-related Eye discomfort. The primary cause for the condition results from prolonged utilization of a digital screen, which can be seen through computers, mobile phones, and tablets. It begins once the eyes grow exhausted due to increased periods without being given appropriate time to relax and readjust. Common manifestations of the syndrome are eye fatigue, headache, blurred vision, dryness, and pain around the neck region. These problems happen because the eyes have to focus more on the screens, which usually occurs due to glare, small text, and poor lighting.
Signs of Computer Eye Syndrome
Individuals experience computer vision syndrome differently. Symptoms can vary depending on the amount of time you spend on digital devices.
The most common symptoms of computer vision syndrome are:
- Dry Eyes: One feels irritated due to the reduction in blinking while using the screen.
- Eye Strain: Feeling lazy or heavy eyes because too long has passed when using the screen
- Blurred Vision: Variation always occurs when one’s eye lacks acuteness/clarification; there is much confusion.
- Headaches: Too frequent headaches developed where most originated due to eye strains.
Neck, Shoulder, or - Back Pain: This pain results from a bad posture when using the device.
- Difficulty Focusing: Difficulty focusing on text or images, especially when switching between the screen and other tasks.
- Double Vision: Double vision or seeing shadows around objects at times.
- Eye Irritation: Burning, itching, or watery eyes.
- Sensitivity to Light: Discomfort when exposed to bright or fluorescent lighting.
Causes
There are numerous reasons why a digital screen causes your eyes to work harder.
- Glare and Screen Quality: Digital screens are not printed pages, therefore more uncomfortable for the eyes. The pixelated display does not have the sharpness and contrast the paper would give and is, hence, unclear. The glare and reflections from the light sources around also distract your eyes and make them work harder, making them light-sensitive and causing discomfort due to low contrast between the text and background.
- Distance of View: The distance between your eyes and the screen is essential for eye strain. Your eyes must work harder to change the focal distance or position, thus ailing you. People who use corrective lenses have difficulty finding an ideal distance for viewing and often tilt their heads or lean forward to get a clearer view.
- Uncorrected Vision Problems:Even minor problems in vision can add substantially to eye strain if uncorrected. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or even astigmatism can make digital device use rather uncomfortable and tiring for the eyes, should they not have been diagnosed correctly or at all.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for Computer Vision Syndrome Age does not really matter.
Actually, as seen in many assessments of many doctors, the doctor’s quote is: “I have patients, very young and healthy, with computer vision syndrome. It really all depends on exposure.
Those under a higher risk include:
- They spend 2 or more uninterrupted hours daily screen gazing.
- Those with dry eyes.
- They have performed LASIK operations.
Prevention Tips for Computer Vision Syndrome
While it’s often hard to avoid screen time due to work or school, these strategies can help alleviate eye strain:
While it’s often hard to avoid screen time due to work or school, these strategies can help alleviate eye discomfort from screens:
- Adjust Lighting– Ensure your work environment is not too dark for glare. For example, pull down the curtains if you have windows or switch to lower-watt bulbs in table lamps and overhead lighting. If you can’t change the lighting, you could add tinted or anti-glare screens over your devices, as doctors recommend.
- 20-20-20 Rule – Doctors suggest taking breaks is the best way to avoid Computer Vision Syndrome. For every 20 minutes spent in front of a screen, step away for 20 seconds. Relax your eyes, close them, or focus on something 20 feet away. This calms down the eye muscles used for near work and lessens fatigue. Generally, rest your eyes after 2 consecutive hours of use on digital devices for 15 minutes.
- Blink Regularly– When focusing on a computer task, you tend to forget to blink as frequently as you should. This causes dry eye symptoms. Blinking distributes tears across the surface of your eyes, keeping them moist. Be aware of blinking frequently when using screens.
- Tilt Your View – Ensure your digital device is at an ergonomic angle to minimize strain. Hold phones or tablets 20-28 inches away and 4-5 inches below eye level. For computer monitors, position the screen at arm’s length, with the center of the display at eye level. A doctor recommends avoiding leaning forward into the screen.
- Consult With an Ophthalmologist– Consider scheduling a comprehensive eye exam if symptoms persist or worsen. “An eye exam can detect any uncorrected refractive errors and whether you need eyeglasses or a prescription change,” explains the doctor. An ophthalmologist can advise if corrective lenses or other treatments would help relieve your Computer Vision Syndrome.
Conclusion
This basically defines Computer Eye Syndrome, or Computer Vision Syndrome, a common phenomenon brought about by spending too much time in front of the screens, causing uneasiness. These eye problems manifest as headaches, eye discomfort from screens, dry eyes, blurred vision, and neck pain. The causes behind this syndrome mainly include glare, poor screen quality, improper distance for viewing, and not corrected vision problems. While anyone can become a victim, those who have spent too much time in front of screens or already have specific vision problems are more susceptible. However, preventing eye screens from screens can be achievable with measures including applying the 20-20-20 rule, adjusting the screen brightness and placement, and breaking frequently.
It is further assisted by implementing advanced treatments, such as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system called EyeX Vision Therapy. EyeX employs advanced technologies like Random Dot Stereogram (RDS) Modules, the Dichoptic Principle, Crowding Phenomenon, Gabor Patches, and Anti-Suppression Technology, which are pretty effective in the treatment of amblyopia, squinting, and other visual impairments. Along with these treatments, regular eye check-ups from an ophthalmologist can minimize the effects of Computer Eye Syndrome, allowing people to work more comfortably and efficiently on screens.
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