What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

According to the American Optometric Association, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or Digital Eyestrain, are a collection of eye and vision problems that are usually related to near tasks that stresses the near vision. It is generally associated with or during the use of a Digital Device. (Ranasinghe, 2016 )

Because of the availability of digital devices all over the world, last 2007, it was estimated that nearly 60 million people worldwide suffered from Computer Vision Syndrome and that a million more cases may occur each year. (Richardson, 2007)

Having poor lighting and too much glare may contribute to eyestrain

Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome include:

Headache
Double Vision
Eye Strain or Eye Fatigue
The slowness of changing focus
Blurred Vision
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Dry and Irritated Eyes
Red Eyes
Burning Sensation on Eyes
Excessive Tearing
Light or Glare

These symptoms may be caused by:

1. Poor lighting in the workplace

2. Too much glare on the screen

3. Improper sitting position and viewing distance

4. Uncorrected Vision Problems

5. A combination of these factors

Having a comprehensive eye exam can help your eyecare practitioner better understand your visual needs

How is Computer Vision Diagnosed?

A comprehensive eye examination may be able to diagnose CVS. An Eyecare professional may examine a person and get:

- Patient’s History

- Visual Acuity Measurements

- Refraction

- Testing how the eye focuses, move and work together

- Dry Eye Testing through a Slit-lamp Biomicroscope

How is Computer Vision Syndrome treated?

There are several ways to address CVS and may vary from case to case. Therefore, a regular eye exam is highly recommended for a person who is emerged in digital devices daily.

Here are some ways to address Computer Vision Syndrome through Eyecare:

a. An eye care professional may give you different lens designs that may be fit for your computer usage.

Anti-Fatigue lenses are specially designed lenses that incorporate near prescription for people who heavily use digital devices. This lens requires a thorough vision exam to be effective.
Blue Light Filtering Lenses are lenses designed to deflect, block, or filter Blue Light coming from Digital Devices with LED displays.
Harmful Blue light, also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) Light, is part of the visible light spectrum closer to the Ultraviolet Wavelength. Although natural HEV Light coming from the Sun may be beneficial, prolonged exposure to artificial HEV Light coming from LED digital devices may contribute to eyestrain.

The light spectrum, where the High Energy Visible light is divided into Blue-Violet and Blue-Turquoise light.

b. Another way of addressing Computer Vision Syndrome is through Vision Therapy. “Vision Therapy is a structured program of visual activities prescribed to improve visual abilities” According to the American Optometric Association. (American Optometric Association, n.d.). This is especially useful, especially to people who experience a slowdown of focusing from far to near, and vice versa, whenever shifting their focus.

How can Computer Vision Syndrome affect our daily life?

In the twenty-first century, most people are equipped with smartphones, tablets, and most offices need Personal Computers and Laptops. Hence, it is highly likely that Computer Vision Syndrome may create a significant contribution to the reduction of productivity of a workplace.

Aside from reduced productivity, it could also reduce an office worker’s quality of life.

Visit your Eyecare practitioner to know more about the different lenses designed for computer usage and other proper management.

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About the author:

Dr Mark Paroli is a board certified Optometrist in the Philippines with special interest in Ocular Prosthesis and Orthokeratology. He is an advocate of children with Low Vision and Myopia Management in children.

References

American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome

MP, G. (2010). A clinical study on "Computer vision syndrome" and its management with Triphala eye drops and Saptamrita Lauha. AYU.

Ranasinghe, P. (2016 ). Computer vision syndrome among computer office workers in a developing country: an evaluation of prevalence and risk factors. BMC Res Notes.

Richardson. (2007). A study of computer-related upper limb discomfort and computer vision syndrome. J Hum Ergol (Tokyo).