Dangers of Computer Vision Syndrome

Computers have become an integral part of modern living and people spend several hours a day in front of computers. This exposes them to the risk of computer-related visual health concerns or what is known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). The American Optometric Association defines CVS as a collection of symptoms experienced by computer users in the course of their work. Studies have shown that 75 to 90 percent of computer users may suffer from computer eye problems like computer eye fatigue and computer eye strain.

The symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome fall into three broad categories. visual, ocular and general. The visual category includes blurred or double vision, changes in perception of color, glare and flickering sensations. The ocular category includes irritated or tired eyes, burning or itching eyes, excessive tears, dry eyes, excessive blinking, squinting, sore eyes, discomfort in contact lenses, sensitivity to light, etc. Finally the general category includes, neck and shoulder pain or tension, pain in the back or arms, headache, drowsiness or excessive fatigue, prone to making errors, nervousness and irritability, etc.

Distant vision is relaxing for the eyes whereas continuous near vision, especially when using computers, puts a strain on the eyes and neck and back muscles causing the symptoms of CVS. The most important cause of CVS symptoms is that the eye blink rate that should ideally be 16 per minute is reduced to 1/3 of this. This reduction in the blink rate causes dryness, irritation excessive tearing, itching, burning and redness of the eyes. Contact lens users may also experience discomfort. Although dry eyes is a common symptom, Sometimes the reverse happens and reflex tearing results in flooding of the eyes with tears.

Another culprit of CVS is the Video display terminal, either the CRT or LCD monitors as they are commonly known. LCD monitors are better than CRT monitors as they do not flicker and their contrast is typically higher. The flicker rate should be adjusted as high as possible, preferably 85 per second or higher. In case of color monitors it is preferable to have dot pitches less than 0.28 mm size. There should not be reflections from the computer screen as it will put more strain on the eyes. For this the lighting should be adjusted or blinds used.

Some of the remedies and precautions for computer vision syndrome include the use of artificial tears, lowering the center of the display screen four to eight inches below eye level, avoiding direct drafts on the eyes, deliberately blinking more often. Other precautions include using computer glasses with anti reflection coating, adjusting the contrast for easy readability, using correct postures, giving rest to the eyes by looking to the distance, closing or palming them, taking short and frequent breaks and removing lights from the field of vision. The use of artificial tear to wet the eyes and lubricate them also helps. Computer eyewear like computer eye glasses or computer reading glasses can help too.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA) the many aspects of CVS have the same indications as other repetitive stress injures and cumulative trauma disorders. As Computer Vision Syndrome has a huge impact on worker comfort and productivity the AOA believes that more attention needs to be given to reducing the impact of CVS in the workplace by providing adequate and appropriate eye care to the American workforce. Special glasses, lenses, monitor glare reduction filters and computer screen filers, have been developed to help heavy computer users to combat the problem. However, the people who are already suffering from CVS symptoms are advised to immediately seek help from a qualified health care professional or optometrist so that the problems don't get further aggravated.

Source: American Optometrist Association (AOA).