Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) |
| Written by Dr. Dhavid Coooper & Bruce Cooper |
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Today millions of people spend long hours in front of a computer screen and are likely to develop computer vision syndrome if precautionary steps are not taken to avoid it.
Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome It is indicated that if you or your child spend more than two hours per day in front of a computer screen, it’s likely you will experience some degree of computer vision syndrome. CVS symptoms include:
Computer eye strain and CVS are caused by our eyes reacting differently to material on a computer screen than they do to printed characters. Your eyes will focus easily on printed copy that has dense black characters with well-defined edges, but the characters on a computer screen do not have the same degree of contrast and definition. Words and other objects on a computer screen are created by tiny dots of light or pixels, which are bright at the centre but diminish in intensity toward the edges, making it more difficult for the eyes to sustain focus on these objects. The eyes drift instead to a diminished level of focusing called the “resting point of accommodation” or RPA. As your eyes involuntarily move to the RPA they strain to regain focus on the screen. This continuous movement of the eyes’ focusing muscles produces fatigue and eye strain that commonly occur during and after computer use. Treatment of CVS To reduce the risk of computer eye strain and computer vision syndrome, it is important to see an optometrist who specialises in computer vision care. The ensuing exam will include tests to detect any vision problems that could contribute to CVS. Depending on the outcome of the exam, your eye doctor may prescribe computer eyeglasses to improve your comfort. Computer eyeglasses will eliminate the constant refocusing strain that your eyes undergo when looking at the screen. And it has been proven clinically that having the correct prescription computer eyeglasses increases productivity and accuracy. Does Everyone Need Computer Eyeglasses? v Clinical studies suggest that most computer uses experience some level of eye discomfort, so it’s reasonable to assume that people working more than two hours daily in front of a computer screen would benefit from computer eyewear. Do I Need Computer Eyewear If I Don’t Have CVS Symptoms? According to a study at the University of Alabama’s Birmingham School of Optometry, computer users who do not experience CVS may also benefit from computer eyewear. The study indicated that even if you don’t notice eye strain or other symptoms of CVS, it’s a good idea to get an eye exam from a computer vision specialist if you spend a lot of time each day in front of a computer. |
