Computer Vision Syndrome

 

Maybe your job requires hours of work at a computer. Maybe you like to spend your free time surfin’ the Net. Whatever the reason, your body is feeling the effects of spending too much time logged on—dry eyes, tired eyes, headaches, neck pain, blurred vision. 

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The human eye was designed for more of distance work and we sailed through centuries with minimal difficulties as the eyes could adapt to the changes in our near tasks. The transformation from hunting in the open to working on paper has been slow and gradual and put not much stress on the visual system.

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But the shift from PAPER to COMPUTERS has been so rapid and strong that the eye has not adapted to the new demands put on it to work at NEAR in a new visual environment for extensive hours and in stressful environments. One of the byproducts – COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

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Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use. CVS is characterized by visual symptoms which result from interaction with a computer display or its environment When the demand at near work exceeds the normal ability of the eye to perform the job comfortably, one develops discomfort and prolonged exposure to the discomfort leads to a cascade of reactions that can be put together as Computer Vision Syndrome.

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Near work here refers to the use of all the self illuminating PCs, mobile phones, and the latest gadgets that have helped bring the web world and quick computation to our hands.

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The chief source of the problem lies in it being a Repetitive Stress Injury to the visual system which means, rectifying the source of stress is overlooked.

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What are the common symptoms of CVS?

The most common symptoms are
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty in changing focus between far and near
• Dryness of eyes
• Irritated eyes
• Tired eyes
• Redness
• Contact lens discomfort

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Neck, shoulder and backache can also be related to the way we use our eyes at the computer.

 

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What causes CVS?

There are several contributory factors for Computer Vision Syndrome to develop.

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To state a few:

• Uncorrected spectacle power
• Inappropriate glasses for computer use
• Difficulty in eye coordination at near work
• Strain on the muscles of the eye due to work style
• Decreased blink rate or tear function
• Glare and reflections from the monitor and surroundings
• Poor workstation setup or improper use of workstation
• Job nature and stress

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Who can be affected by CVS?

Computer Vision Syndrome affects 75% of the people who work on computers, most markedly those who work more than 3 to 4 hours with computers. This includes all professions that use computers (IT, BPO, Accounting, banking, front office) students and children who

• Work at the computer for more than 3 hours a day
• Have strain at computer work.
• Experience any or all of the symptoms of CVS stated
• Experience stressful situations associated with work

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Is there any age limit for CVS?

CVS can occur in any age group but children are found to report less of symptoms.

This does not indicate that children are not prone to CVS, but that they continue to strain the visual system and the condition is overlooked to a greater extent than adults.

The visual system in teenagers is well adapted to near tasks, but the strain due to change in image quality, glare, lighting and absence of breaks between computer use, associated with muscle imbalances and power changes need a closer watch as it is the changing phase of physical development and no chances can be taken.

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Can proper glass power be a solution to CVS?

There is no single type of computer glasses that fits all or is the best for everyone.

A pair of computer glasses should include:
• The prescription measured at the computer working distance
• The appropriate lens type for the patient
• A tint where required
• An anti-reflective (AR) coating
• Prisms, if needed

The spectacle of a computer user by itself needs specialized evaluation to keep vision comfortable.

The spectacle alone does not address a myriad of other problems the eye can face at the computer due to CVS.

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How can it be detected?

CVS is often different from other typical eye problems.

The usual ophthalmic examination focuses more on distance vision (6 m and beyond) and near vision (35 to 40 cm), whereas the computer professionals have a unique working distances with respect to the monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

Due to this difference in working distance, the usual examination does not completely address the actual environmental conditions.

The Computer Vision Clinic, however, is specially designed to address the varied needs of the individual computer user.

The testing required for detecting CVS are:
• Refractive error correction for computer workstations
• Evaluation of arrangement of the computer workstation
• Evaluation of lighting and reflections
• Eye health evaluation
• Analysis of visual functions at near working distances

A detailed clinical evaluation, besides a thorough documentation of the work surroundings and job nature with the help of questionnaires and interactive sessions are essential for this.

What is the best way to treat CVS?

 

Six Simple Steps to Relief

Here are some simple steps you can take to help minimize the impact of Computer Vision Syndrome:

Keep blinking. It washes your eyes in naturally therapeutic tears.
   
Remember 20-20-20. Every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away, minimum.
 
Get the right light. Good lighting isn’t just flattering – it’s healthy for your eyes. So, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum. Keep your desk lamp shining on your desk, not you. Try to keep window light off to the side, rather than in front or behind you. Use blinds and get a glare screen.

 

Position the computer screen to reduce reflections from windows or overhead lights.

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Monitor your monitor. Keep it at least 20 inches from your eyes. Center should be about 4 to 6 inches below your eyes. Also, make sure it’s big enough and with just the right brightness and contrast.  Adjust the screen so you look at it slightly downward and are about 24 to 28 inches away. Adjust the screen settings to where they are comfortable — contract polarity, resolution, flicker, etc.

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Wear those computer glasses. Your doctor can prescribe a pair of eyeglasses just for viewing the computer screen well. If necessary, wear the appropriate corrective lenses while at the computer.

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Talk to your doc. Have a comprehensive eye exam by a Vision FIrst doctor. During your eye exam, your eye doctor can check for more than just computer vision problems. She’ll look for signs of health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. It’s an important part of your overall health routine.

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