What is computer vision syndrome?
The average worker in American spends seven hours daily looking at a computer screen. Computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, is a group of vision and eye problems that occur from prolonged tablet, computer, or phone screen use.
The longer your daily and weekly screen time is, the higher your risk of unpleasant symptoms related to computer vision syndrome.
What are the symptoms of computer vision syndrome?
If you have computer vision syndrome, you might experience one or more of the following signs or symptoms:
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Dry eyes
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Blurred vision
The causes of computer vision syndrome are often related to screen glare, uncorrected vision problems, poor posture, improper viewing distance, poor lighting, or combinations of these factors.
Some symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome decline or go away when you take a break from screen viewing. But others can slowly worsen over time with continued digital screen use.
How is computer vision syndrome treated?
Your optometrist diagnoses computer vision syndrome by reviewing your medical history and symptoms and completing an eye exam with vision tests.
The team also assesses eye focus and movement. Your personalized computer vision syndrome treatment plant might include one or more of the following:
Blue light glasses
Your eye doctor prescribes special blue light glasses, which helps prevent uncomfortable symptoms associated with excessive blue light exposure from your computer screen.
Anti-glare screens
Using an anti-glare screen filter on your computer or device helps filter light that’s reflected from the screen to your eyes.
Rest breaks
To help reduce dry eyes and eye irritation associated with computer vision syndrome, take a break from looking at a screen for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes or so.
Chemistrie Clip
Your eye doctor offers chemistrie clips that fit over your eyeglasses and protect your eyes from your computer’s blue light and it’s side effects.
Eye drops
To treat dry eyes associated with too much screen time, your optometrist may recommend using eye drops to ease your symptoms.
Which computer vision treatment is right for me?
The optometrists at Eyecare Professionals personalize treatment plans for computer vision syndrome in patients of all ages and help prevent symptoms from occurring in the future. They may recommend more than one treatment to optimize your results.
To learn more about which treatment plan best matches your needs, call Eyecare Professionals today or use the online booking tool.
