PROTECTING AND RESTORING EYES

Computer Vision Syndrome - Eyestrain Symptoms and Solutions
- How to prevent eyestrain at your computer workstation and the benefits of computer filters

What is computer vision syndrome?

CVS refers to a variety of vision-related symptoms that occur when you regularly work at a computer workstation for two or more hours a day. Studies show that 50% to 90% of computer users experience CVS syndrome, and most are not even aware they have the condition. With increased computer use by children and teens, optometrists are reporting increasing numbers of youngsters exhibiting symptoms of CVS.
Eyestrain symptoms require your awareness and professional attention. Some of the symptoms identified by optometrists include: eyestrain, watery eyes, dry eyes, blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, a heavy feeling of the eyelids or forehead, after-images, temporary nearsightedness, headaches, neck and back aches. Any of these can negatively impact your mental and physical wellbeing as well as your productivity.



Eyestrain symptoms require your awareness and professional attention. Some of the symptoms identified by optometrists include: eyestrain, watery eyes, dry eyes, blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, a heavy feeling of the eyelids or forehead, after-images, temporary nearsightedness, headaches, neck and back aches. Any of these can negatively impact your mental and physical wellbeing as well as your productivity.



Glare and other factors causing eyestrain and Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)


1. Glare is a leading cause of eyestrain and other vision difficulties. Over illumination from lamps, overhead banks of lights, and sunlight streaming through windows can reflect onto a computer screen from various angles, "wash out" sections of your screen image, and reduce contrast. The muscles of your eye continually refocus to attempt to gain clarity. Such repetitive straining has its effects on the eye muscles. Also, tilting the neck and head to get a clearer screen view from a different angle places strain on those upper neck and head muscles.
2. The nature of computer screens themselves present a vision challenge. Computer images are not solid characters; they're made up of pixels (dots), which makes focusing on them difficult for the human eye.
3. People who are still using CRT monitors have another focus and strain issue, because the screen image signals are dynamic and the screen is constantly being "redrawn"
4. Improper work habits such as staring at your screen for long, uninterrupted stretches of time, sitting too close to the screen, neglecting to step away from your desk for breaks, not placing your monitor in an ergonomic position are all situations that can produce vision as well as muscular skeletal discomfort.