Computer Vision Syndrome - Are You Suffering From It?

As we entered the twenty-first century; we shifted from old rotary dial telephones to mobile phones and from paper –pen to computer –printer !! With everything requiring a computer to execute, more and more people end up looking at the computer screen for hours on end. This could range anywhere from a couple of hours to really long hours. The effect is a group of symptoms, which are collectively known as computer vision syndrome or CVS (syndrome means a collection of symptoms). It is essentially an occupational health problem. The cause of this is the constant staring at the monitor.

It is a type of repetitive stress injury, where a particular organ, the eye here, is subjected to repeated action (starting at a monitor) resulting in a group of symptoms. This is also compounded by age, where the flexibility to adjust to near and far vision is gradually reduced.

Symptoms of CVS:

There is no damage per se, but the ocular symptoms most often experienced are as follows:

1. Eye strain
2. Blurred vision
3. Double vision
4. Tired eyes
5. Dryness of the eyes
6. Redness of the eyes
7. Irritation of the eyes
8. Excessive tearing
9. Headaches and neck/back aches
10. Light/Glare sensitivity.

This could be a progressive condition, where the symptoms get worse with time. Treatment is an option once the problem sets in, but this is a condition which can be definitely prevented with some simple, effective steps.

1. Good Posture & Desk arrangement: Make sure the desk or monitor is slightly below eye level, about 30 inches away from the face. If you are straining the neck or the back to look at the monitor, it requires a change. The chair also can be changed in height to suit the seating. Also, prints can be pinned to the workstation when something is being typed, so constantly looking up and down while typing is avoided. Better to avoid working on multiple monitors simultaneously.

2. Screen type: Move away from the older tube-style monitor to an LCD screen, which is easier on the eye. Check the computer settings so that brightness, contrast, and font size and shape and contrast are altered to suit your convenience. Ensure you are not requiring to strain to read.

3. Alter the lighting: Look around you, and ensure there is adequate lighting with no glares on the monitor from surrounding windows or bright lights. A glare filter on the monitor is an effective way to manage this.

4. Rest your eyes: Follow the 20-20-20 rule, with a 20-second break every 20 minutes where you look at something 20 feet away.

5. Keep them moist: Blink your eyes constantly to ensure there is enough moisture. Lubricating Eye drops can be used if required additionally.

6. Frequent breaks: Regular work breaks are necessary for visual comfort. Not just your eyes, this also reduces strain on the neck and the back.

7. Regular eye check-ups: An annual visit, especially after 40, is a must for optimal eye health. Use of proper spectacles as per the refractive error and age is essential.