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What Are the Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome? |
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If you 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. Symptoms of CVS include |
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Headache |
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Losss of focus |
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Burning eyes |
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Tired eyes |
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Double vision |
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Blurred vision |
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Neck and shoulder pain |
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What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome? |
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Computer eye strain and computer vision syndrome are caused by our eyes and brain reacting differently to characters on a computer screen than they do to printed characters. Our eyes have little problem focusing on printed material that has dense black characters with well-defined edges. But characters on a computer screen don't have the same degree of contrast and definition.
Words on a computer screen are created by combinations of tiny points of light (pixels), which are brightest at the center and diminish in intensity toward their edges. This makes it more difficult for our eyes to maintain focus on these images. Instead, our eyes want to drift to a reduced level of focusing called the "resting point of accommodation" or RPA.
Our eyes involuntarily move to the RPA and then strain to regain focus on the screen. This continuous flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles creates the fatigue and eye strain that commonly occur during and after computer use. |
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Will Glare Screens Prevent CVS? |
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Anti-glare filters for computer screens may increase comfort somewhat, but they will not solve all your computer vision problems. These filters only reduce glare from reflections on the computer screen and do not reduce the visual problems related to the constant refocusing of your eyes when you work at a computer. |
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What can I do to avoid getting CVS? |
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Blink: People blink at least half as much as normal when staring at the computer screen, because people usually squint and your eyes are not made for looking at monitors. It may be hard to remember to do this constantly, so every now and then you can close your eyes for a few seconds. |
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20-20-20: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds to get them adjusted to long-distance too, so you are ready when you get off the computer. |
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Adjust the screen settings: You will find that if you make your screen a bit more dull, it is actually easier to read. The screen should be just as bright as your surroundings, and should not appear to be a glowing box nor pitch black object. You will find that you can actually get used to a brightness of 0. Contrast should usually be in the level of the 80s, but they are different for different screens. Contrast is the strength of the colors compared next to each other. |
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Back up the screen: but not so much that you have to strain to read the text. 16-24 inches is a good distance, depending on your eyesight and the size of the screen. Consider changing the settings to show larger text on every site accessed on your browser. 5. Adjust the height of your desk or chair so the middle of the computer screen is about 20 degrees below eye level. The screen itself should be 16- 30 inches from your eyes. |
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Adjust the height of your desk or chair so the middle of the computer screen is about 20 degrees below eye level. The screen itself should be 16- 30 inches from your eyes. |
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Tips |
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Ignore the myth about looking at computer screens making you nearsighted because of the pixels. Looking at computer screens is just like reading a book. |
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Before and after long periods of time with computer use, lubricate your eyes with non-preserved or sensitive eyes artificial tears or take a steamy shower but don't get regular water in your eyes as this dilutes and flushes out your natural tears. |
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Some of this information can also apply to other types of screens, such as that of TVs, handheld games and cell phones. |
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Stay hydrated so you are sure to have enough tears to make. |
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