Computer Vision Syndrome

Dr. Colombo was recently invited to participate in the Ask A Beaumont Doctor show. Click here to hear the discussion about Computer Vision Syndrome.

As our use and dependence on computers increases in the home and workplace, more and more people are being diagnosed with Computer Vision Syndrome.

First coined in 2005, Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS is a type of eye strain caused by prolonged computer use.

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome include:

• sore tired, burning eyes
• dry eyes
• watery eyes
• blurred or double vision
• headache
• sore neck or back
• shimmering of monitor
• sensitivity to light

Although CVS is not dangerous to your eye health, it can impact work efficiency. Luckily, you can treat it without surgery by following these simple steps:

• contact your ophthalmologist to get an eye exam
• make sure that you have properly fitted galsses
• ask to be examined for dry eye and muscle imbalance
• place your computer screen 20 to 28 inches from your eyes
• adjust the angle of your computer screen to 10 percent below your point of fixation

"In addition to these steps, you should also follow the 20/20/20 rule": you should rest your eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, and look at an object 20 feet away.

Additional Recommendations:

• consciously blink, as studies have shown that when using a computer, blinking decreases.
• use a newer monitor; an older monitor may lose contrast and clarity which can produce eye strain.
• avoid overhead lighting or keep it to a minimum, as it can produce a glare on the computer screen.