Computer vision syndrome

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) aka. Digital Eye Strain describes a group of eye related issues that result from prolonged use of computers and hand held devices (tablets, cell phone, e-reader).
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Risk Factors:
Viewing digital screens for extended periods, poor lightning , Glare on the digital screen Improper viewing distances, poor seating posture, uncorrected vision problems. Symptoms are directly related to the amount of time spent looking at a digital screen.

Research:

✓ CVS affects about 90% of the people who spend three hours or more a day at computer.

✓ CVS affects 90% college students b/w ages 18 and 25.

Symptoms:

✓ Headache

✓ Blurred vision

✓ Asthenopia aka. Eyestrain

✓ Neck and shoulder pain

✓ Red, teary eye

✓ Difficulty refocusing the eyes.

✓ Dry eye

Treatment:

Eyestrain is responsible for majority of the symptoms of CVS. A Comprehensive eye exam with emphasis on eye focusing, eye movement, visual requirement and refraction is required.

In some cases, individuals who do not generally wear eye glasses for their daily routine may benefit from eye glasses prescribed for computer use. Patients with eye focusing, movement or coordination issue causing CVS, may benefit from Vision Therapy.

✓ Treating ocular surface dryness with taking frequent Breaks (20-20- 20 Rule) and Blinking often.

✓ Using Anti-Glare Screen on computers.

✓ Using Anti-Reflective coating on your lenses.

✓ Using Blue-Block coating on your lenses. Blue-violet light has been shown to cause maximum retinal cell death. Over time, our eyes are exposed to various sources that emit this blue violet light including sunlight, tablets, TV’s computers and smart phones etc. It is essential to have blue block coating put onto your lenses.

✓ Using anti- UV coating: UV light causes damage to the eye, particularly the cornea and the lens. It can augment the growth of cataracts, pinguecula and ptrygium etc. Anti UV coating is essential to screen out the harmful effects of UV rays.

✓ Lightning: proper lightning is required when doing near work to avoid glare. Replace the light bulbs in the desk lamp s with bulbs of lower wattage.

References:

1. Becoming a Squinter Nation, Wall St. Journal, August 17, 2010

2. The Lowdown on blue Light: Good vs. Bad, and its connection to AMD. Review pf Optometry. Feb 2014.

3. Reddy, Chandrasekhara; Low (2013). "Computer vision syndrome: a study and practices in university students". Neoalese Journal of Ophthalmology 5 (2).