Computer Vision Syndrome
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Your work environment could be dangerous to your health!
Computer Vision Syndrome is a very real eye problem which
has affected many individuals who spend a good part of their
days staring at computer monitors. But it's not only the computer
monitor which is causing this eye problem.
The environment which the computer work is taking place can
be contributing to the problems linked to Computer Vision
Syndrome. Insufficient lighting, windows glare, fluorescent
lighting, sitting too close or too far away from the computer
monitor and the way how the contents are being displayed on
the monitor can all worsen this syndrome.
The letters on a computer screen are not straight lines like
how they are printed material, which our eye can easily focus
on. Instead, they are made up of tiny dots on which the eye
has to constantly focus and refocus, and that creates fatigue
and strain.
Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms
The most prominent symptom of Computer Vision Syndrome is
eyestrain that causes eyes to feel tired and/or sore. However,
there are other parts of the body can also be affected as
well such as headaches, neck aches and backaches are common
symptoms. Problems with vision are also symptoms and can include
any or all of the following: blurred vision, double vision
and/or distorted color vision.
Another symptom is eyes which are slow to change focus. For
instance, when you are looking at something in the distance
and then quickly changing to look at something close up (or
vice versa), there is an obvious lag in the eye's ability
to bring the newer image into focus. The constant work being
performed by the focusing muscles makes eyes tired. With Computer
Vision Syndrome eyes tend to result a dry or a burning sensation.
Almost every one of us could be at the risk of developing
Computer Vision Syndrome if he or she spends long periods
of time working at a computer. Those who develop symptoms
of this syndrome tend to not take breaks, whether physical
or visual. Getting up from the workstation and occasionally
focusing on something other than the computer monitor are
the important tips to avoid Computer Vision Syndrome.
Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment
When a person's daily routine includes 2 or more hours of
work on a computer, it's important to tell the eye doctor.
If the patient is experiencing the symptoms mentioned above,
the eye doctor will make use of a PIRO instrument to test
for Computer Vision Syndrome. The purpose of this instrument
is to copy what an individual sees on a computer screen. It's
positioned at a distance similar to that of the patient's
monitor. By using this instrument, vision is tested. A reduced
Snellen card can also be used.
In most cases, computer eyeglasses have to be prescribed
to put an end to the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.
Generally, they will have a different prescription than regular
eyeglasses. Computer eyeglasses may also include a computer
tint, UV tint, anti-reflective coating and possibly a prism.
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