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Home » Eye Care Services » Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome

Q & A with Your Louisville Eye Doctors

Contemporary estimates place the average number of hours that a person spends viewing a computer screen or electronic device at six hours per day! However, this behavior generally comes with a price for your vision and eye health. It makes no difference whether you’re gazing at your smartphone, tablet, computer screen, or other digital gadget – the use of all hi-tech equipment contributes towards the development of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). At Gaddie Eye Centers, our eye doctors in Oxmoor, Carrollton, LaGrange, and Springhurst, KY, are knowledgeable about the symptoms of this condition, and we’ll help alleviate the irritations that it can cause.

What are the typical symptoms of computer vision syndrome?

Common symptoms include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Burning or itching eyes
  • Eyestrain
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Headaches
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Loss of focus

In general, the severity of computer vision syndrome symptoms appears in proportion with how much time is spent with computers. Also, your eye health condition also plays a large part in determining the effects of computers on your vision. For example, if you have an undetected or untreated vision condition, such as poor eye coordination, presbyopia, astigmatism, or farsightedness, these problems can exacerbate the eye irritation caused by regular computer usage.

What causes computer vision syndrome?

Gazing at a digital screen can stress your visual system in ways that other behaviors do not. There may be glare and reflections on the screen and the font on your monitor may not be crisp – altogether these traits reduce the contrast between text and background, which strains your eye muscles. Also, the angle at which you view your screen may stress your neck, shoulders, back, and eyes. Blue light, a type of UV rays that are emitted by all digital screens, is also known to cause eye problems.

Is there any way to prevent computer vision syndrome?

First of all, it is essential to make sure that your vision prescription is accurate. Our Louisville eye doctors will perform a thorough eye exam with special consideration for your computer usage. Your prescription must be suitable for the placement of your monitor in relation to your eyes. If you tend to lean forwards or tilt your head to see better, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Awkward posture can lead to pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, and back, which are all signs of computer vision syndrome.

What is the treatment for computer vision syndrome?

There is no one-and-only foolproof cure for computer vision syndrome. Yet, our eye doctors in Oxmoor, LaGrange, Springhurst, and Oldham, KY, can help to alleviate your discomfort and eye irritation. One solution is to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses that are specialized for computer vision. With custom tints and lens coatings that are anti-glare and protect against blue light, this eyewear may be suitable for you even if you don’t require vision correction.

Rearranging the position of your computer screen and keyboard in relation to your chair may also bring relief. Our eye care specialists will provide you with helpful tips on how to set up your work station, as well as the best task lighting to eliminate eyestrain.

Giving your eyes time to rest goes a long way towards ocular health. Take breaks from gazing at your computer, look off into the distance to allow your eyes to refocus, and remember to blink often enough to keep the surface of your eyes well lubricated. If you suffer from dry eyes, we may recommend using lubricating artificial tears eye drops.

Management and treatment of computer vision syndrome involves a combination of prevention and reducing your symptoms. At Gaddie Eye Center, our eye doctors are experienced in diagnosing computer vision syndrome and providing effective relief. Call today for an evaluation.