Computer Vision Syndrome
-
- Tweet
Sunset Optometric Center
Optometrist located in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other computers may make your life easier, but they put a heavy burden on your eyes. If you have eyestrain or other symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), Dr. Aira Canlas at Sunset Optometric Center in Los Feliz, California, help you with solutions ranging from lifestyle adjustments to corrective lenses. If you’re a woman, man, or child in the Los Angeles with tired, strained, or dry eyes, visit Sunset Optometric Center by calling for an appointment or using the online form.
Computer Vision Syndrome Q & A
What is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)?
CVS is a collection of eye- and vision-related symptoms that occur when you spend large amounts of time using electronic devices with screens, such as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Researchers estimate that between half and 90% of women, men, and children who regularly use screened devices have symptoms of CVS.
What are the symptoms of computer vision syndrome?
You may have CVS if you notice:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Dry eyes
- Red or irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Eyestrain
How do screens cause CVS?
When you read, your eyes constantly focus and refocus, moving back and forth across the lines. Your eyes have to work harder when reading a computer screen than they do when reading printed materials. Letters on a screen tend to be low contrast, so it’s more difficult for your eyes to see them.
Screens also have glare and reflections that complicate viewing. If you hold the screen at a different distance and angle than you would a book or newspaper, you could create eye strain. Improper desk and chair heights may contribute to the problem, too.
Finally, you may have an undiagnosed or under-corrected vision problem that makes your eyes work harder than they should. Men and women over the age of 40 could have an impairment known as presbyopia.
How is CVS treated?
Dr. Canlas diagnoses CVS by measuring your visual acuity and by administering tests that identify refraction errors (i.e., nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), and focusing ability.
Even before your appointment, you can institute lifestyle changes such as implementing the American Optometric Association’s 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from the screen to view an object that’s 20 feet away. Remember to blink regularly to prevent dry eye.
You can also make adjustments to your seating, desk, and screen angle to be sure you’re operating in the most ergonomically correct manner possible.
Other remedies for CVS include:
- Special eyeglass for screen use
- Adjustments to your current prescriptions
- Anti-fatigue lenses
- Anti-reflective lens coating to cut down on glare
- Blue-light protection filters for your screens
Uncorrected CVS tends to grow worse with time. Catch it now by calling the experts at Sunset Optometric Center, or set up an appointment online.