How Your Optometrist Can Help with Computer Vision Syndrome
Eyestrain, headaches, blurry vision, and sore, dry eyes can be signs of a common vision ailment called computer vision syndrome (CVS). The condition affects people who use computers and other digital devices for hours every day.
Managing Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms
Computer vision syndrome, also called digital eye strain, is a common ailment in the Internet age. Eighty percent of adults surveyed by The Vision Council in 2022 reported experiencing some CVS symptoms. CVS is a problem in children too. That's not surprising since kids 8 - 12 use screens four to six hours per day, while teens use digital devices up to nine hours per day, according to The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Some symptoms of CVS may not seem to be related to the eyes at first glance. Do your neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles feel sore after using digital devices? The pain could be caused by poor posture, CVS, or a combination of those factors.
"Don't spend so much time using digital devices," sounds like a simple solution to the problem. Although reducing screen time is certainly helpful, this advice may not be realistic if you must use a laptop, tablet, or smartphone for work or school.
Getting your symptoms under control starts with a visit to the optometrist. Your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye examination and ask a few questions about your digital device habits.
Depending on the results of the examination, your optometrist might recommend:
- Updating Your Eyeglass or Contact Lens Prescription. Even slight changes in your vision can worsen CVS symptoms. If your vision has changed since your last eye exam, new glasses or contacts could relieve your symptoms.
- Wearing Computer Glasses. Computer glasses provide clear vision at 20 to 28 inches, the distance from your eyes to your laptop or desktop screen. Wearing computer glasses reduces stress and strain on your eyes, helping you avoid CVS symptoms. Do you wear bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses? Although those lenses contain multiple focal points, they may not provide ideal vision when using screens. Swapping your multi-focal lenses for computer glasses when you use digital devices could help you avoid eye pain, headaches, dry eye, and other CVS symptoms.
- Choosing an Anti-Glare Coating. Glare, an unavoidable part of using screens, can contribute to eyestrain symptoms. Adding an anti-glare coating to your eyeglasses is a simple way to protect your eyes. You may also want to add an anti-glare filter to devices for additional protection and use shades or blinds to reduce glare.
- Taking Breaks. Try the 20-20-20 rule recommended by the American Optometric Association. After using a device for 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet in the distance for at least 20 seconds. If possible, take 15- to 30-minute breaks every two to three hours.
- Lubricating Your Eyes. How often do you blink? If you don't blink enough when you use screens, you'll be more likely to develop CVS. Blinking lubricates the eyes by spreading tears over their entire surface. According to the Cleveland Clinic, digital device users may only blink three to seven times per minute instead of the usual 18 - 22 minutes. Remembering to blink more often could improve eye comfort. If your eyes are still dry, use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. Your eye doctor can recommend specific drops and discuss other ways to reduce dry eye symptoms, such as using a humidifier or wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
- Changing Settings. Keep screen brightness at the same level as the natural light level in the room. Screens that are too dark or light can lead to CVS symptoms. Your optometrist may also suggest changing the height of your chair, desk, or monitor for easier viewing.
Do you need help with eyestrain, headaches, and other computer vision syndrome symptoms? Contact our office to schedule a comprehensive vision exam.
Sources:
The Vision Council: The Vision Council Releases Focused Insights 2022: Digital Habits, 11/4/2022
https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-releases-focused-insights-2022-digital-habits
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Screen Time and Children, 5/2024
Cleveland Clinic: Computer Vision Syndrome, 2/19/2023
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24802-computer-vision-syndrome
American Optometric Association: Computer Vision Syndrome
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y
All About Vision: Computer Glasses: Custom Glasses for Computer Use, 6/30/2023