In recognition of Workplace Eye Wellness Month, here are some tips for avoiding Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a common difficulty for people working with computers.
Today’s world, like never before, puts tremendous stress on our eyes. From cell phone texting and social media messaging to tablet usage, our eyes are constantly being pushed to their limits. And for those whose job requires using a computer as well, CVS is almost a given.
Words and images on a computer screen are created by pixels, tiny lights brightest at the center which diminish towards the edges. This makes it more difficult to maintain focus on them for lengthy periods of time, producing such symptoms as:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dry, watery, burning or red eyes
- Blurred vision or trouble focusing
- Neck and shoulder pain
Causes of CVS can include:
- Inadequate lighting
- Low-resolution screen or glare
- Poor posture
- Uncomfortable seating
- Improper distance viewing
- Incorrect document positioning
- Not taking vision breaks
Simply blinking occasionally can relieve eye stress. There are also prescription glasses for computer users to reduce eyestrain.
While addressing the physical aspects may offer some relief, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis to rule out any unknown vision issues. Occasionally an underlying vision problem goes undiagnosed because symptoms are mis-attributed to CVS. There are a number of vision deficiencies which can mimic CVS as well as contribute to making it worse.
Contact us if you think you have CVS. We’ll give you a proper diagnosis and do our best to relieve your symptoms!