Who has it?

Computer Vision Syndrome affects many users of computers. Traditionally the computer data input person has been the most affected by CVS. The new "at risk" person is smaller screen device user, the smart phone user, the "texter" This is mainly a problem related to near vision stress. Having 20/20 vision is not a guarantee that you will not have the symptoms of CVS.

What are the symptoms?

Let's discuss the symptoms of CVS. Symptoms may include blurred vision, double vision, frequent headache or neck pain, light sensitivity, irritated eyes and back ache especially when noticed after working on the computer. In the past few years the small screens of handheld devices gives patients more problems than the larger screens of desktop and larger laptop machines.

What causes the problem?

The solutions to CVS are sometimes simple. If you are lucky you might correct these difficulties with a change in your work station or by wearing the proper corrective lenses. The main problems are caused by focusing problems with the eyes, dry eyes, poor work station design and glare.

What are the simple solutions?

The easiest area for most people to solve is the work area problems. This should include having good clear monitor that is approximately 16-21 inches from your eyes; with the top of the monitor at about eye level.

It pays to buy the best device with the largest and clearest screen that you can afford.

Here is the part about your eyes

Since we are discussing computer vision syndrome we need to consider the stresses on the eyes when operating a small screen device. The screen must have sufficient contrast and the eyes should be able to focus and track accurately to work (or play) on the computer. Taking regular mini breaks is also a good idea. Stopping every few minutes to look at a distant object for a few seconds can help. A few blinks of the eyes may also provide relief.

We need to get in a word about glare

The clarity that your screen has, plays only a part in the quality of the image that you see. Reflections from bright sources of light in the room and even your clothing play a factor in the image that you see. Keep the drapes closed on windows near your device. Clean the screen at regular intervals and consider wearing darker clothes to prevent reflections. If you have trouble and have considered a glare screens. These are available as three major types; tinted plastic, polarized and fine mesh fabric. This is pretty much obsolete. Most screens use liquid crystal displays and work by cross polarizing light. I don't think that they are a real benefit to help most of us see more efficiently while at the screen. They darken the reflections which may be a benefit but they also darken the monitor requiring that the brightness be set higher, many times washing out some of the color and sharpness.

Focus, focus, focus

Looking at a computer display causes your eyes to use their focusing muscles on a near constant basis. In my practice I have had patients discuss this with me and many times it can be helped with corrective lenses. Standard lenses may work but specialty computer lenses are sometimes required. There are new lens designs becoming available on a regular basis.

Don't dry out

Some patients state that their eyes feel like there is sand in them or that they sense dryness of their eyes. Vision researchers have noticed for many years that concentrated use of the eyes causes the blink rate to decrease and dry areas can form on the normally moist surface of the eye. Thus a patient who has a slight amount of dryness will be made much worse after prolonged computer use. I can not recommend just going down to the Wal-Mart and picking up which ever eye drop is on sale. It depends on which layer of tears is most at fault.

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