Vision Care Articles by Eye Doctor - Computers, Eye Strain, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Modern technological demands on vision have outpaced our evolutionary visual ability to cope. Computers can exacerbate or cause visual stress. Here are some of the commonly observed symptoms and some fundamental, often overlooked, solutions.

Signs and Symptoms of Vision Problems Associated with Computer Usage:

• Headaches during or after use of computers
• Eye strain
• Sleepy
• Blurred vision
• Frequently losing place on the screen
• Double vision
• Difficulty seeing clearly at distance after prolonged computer use
• Excess fatigue with computer use
• Neck or shoulder tension, back ache
• Slow re-focusing when looking from the screen to distance or vice versa

Computer Visual Solutions:

Computer Glasses
Note the prescription that is appropriate for use at the computer is very different from regular glasses for distance, or bifocals for reading. Computer screens are usually at an intermediate distance, not as close as books, yet closer than 20 feet. Additionally, computer screens tend to be at or just slightly below eye level, a height that normal bifocals are not meant to accommodate.

Eliminate Reflections
Adjust the angle of the screen and position of light sources in the room to remove reflections. Avoid wearing light colored clothing and bright jewelry which can reflect on the screen. Adjust the screen contrast and intensity for greatest comfort.

Posture
Sit in good (not rigid) posture with both feet flat on the floor, lower arms and thighs parallel to the floor. To achieve good posture you need a chair that provides proper support and height.

Adjust Working Conditions
Keep your computer monitor directly in front of your face and below your line of sight. Reduce the lighting in the room and use a desk lamp to illuminate your papers. Angle the computer screen to eliminate reflections from overhead lighting. Try to use a dark blotter on your desk to minimize reflections. Look across the room at a distant object every 15 minutes. Wear dark colored clothes to minimize reflections.

Hard Copy Placement
Hard copy (paperwork) should be on a copy holder, not flat on the table, and at approximately the same distance as the screen. Screen and hard copy should be slightly below eye level (approximately 20 degrees).

There's more to healthy vision than 20/20 eyesight!
Learn more about symptoms of visual problems which
affect reading, learning, school and sports success.