you have computer vision syndrome

8/3/2019 You Have Computer Vision Syndrome

1/6

You Have Computer Vision Syndrome!

89

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Today, millions of people all over the world are affected byComputer

VisionSyndromeorCVSwithout them realizing it. I am a full time work at

home person who spends more than 10 hours a day on my PC. Although

some people claim that there is no scientific evidence that computer

screens are harmful to the eyes, experts believe that anyone who stares at

a computer monitor for more than two hours a day is likely to experience

CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome to some extent. I think I do experience

it sometimes. So, if you spend more than 2 hours a day on your computerits time to have a look at your eyes.

Computer Vision Syndromeis the term used to describe a variety of

vision related symptoms andCVSaffects mental and physical well being

and impacts productivity.

(Note To My Stumbler Friends : Too much Stumblingcauses CVS!)

Symptoms Of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Double Vision or DiplopiaDouble vision or Diplopia is the perception of two images from a single

object. The images may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Although many

other reasons like head injuries, intoxication from alcohol, staring too long

at yourcomputer screenmay causedouble vision.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyesyndrome(DES) or simplydry eyesis an eye condition caused by

decrease in tear production or increasedtear filmevaporation. If we stare at

our computer screen for long periods without blinking this condition mayoccur.

Temporary Nearsightedness

Temporary nearsightednessorshortsightednessormyopiacauses

nearby objects seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurred.
http://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Cheapest-Laptops-for-School-Going-Kidshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Cheapest-Laptops-for-School-Going-Kidshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Cheapest-Laptops-for-School-Going-Kidshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Cheapest-Laptops-for-School-Going-Kidshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunamihttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunamihttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunamihttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Barracuda_The_Latest_hone_From_Nokiahttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Barracuda_The_Latest_hone_From_Nokiahttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Barracuda_The_Latest_hone_From_Nokiahttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Sivaji_Rajinikanth_Photos_And_Videoshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Sivaji_Rajinikanth_Photos_And_Videoshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Sivaji_Rajinikanth_Photos_And_Videoshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Sivaji_Rajinikanth_Photos_And_Videoshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Barracuda_The_Latest_hone_From_Nokiahttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunamihttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Cheapest-Laptops-for-School-Going-Kidshttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Cheapest-Laptops-for-School-Going-Kids


2/6

Ophthalmologists and optometrists usually correct myopia using corrective

lenses.

Photophobia orDecreased Toleranceto Light

Photophobiaor fear of light, is excessive sensitivity to light. In medical

terms, it is not fear, but an experience of discomfort or pain to the eyes dueto light exposure. (I suffer from this sometimes)

Eye Strain

Eye strainorAsthenopiais aneye conditionthat manifests itself through

nonspecific symptoms such asfatigue,red eyes,eyestrain,pain in or

around the eyes,blurred vision,headacheandoccasional double

vision. When we concentrate on a visually intense task like continuously

focusing on computer screen or book.

CRT monitors with a low refresh rate less than 70 Hz can cause similarproblems because of the flickering image. Aging computer screens also

often go slightly out of focus, and this can also cause eye strain.

What Causes CVS Symptoms?

Computer Screen

Characters on a computer screen do not have sharp edges compared to

the printed ones. The pixels are brightest at the center and decreases in

intensity towards the edges. This makes it very difficult for our eyes to

maintain focus. Trying to focus extensively do not allow the eye muscles tomove frequently, and this leads to eye strain, burning and fatigue.

Computerusers usually have a fixed posture. Gazing constantly at a

computer screen from a close distance leads to convergence fatigue.

Image Clarity

Lack of image clarity often makes a computer user to stare more intensely

in an effort to focus.

Glare

Glare from reflections and lights on computer screens from overhead lights

or direct light coming through windows and bouncing off the screens tires

the eyes.

Blink
http://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Singapore-Livinghttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Singapore-Livinghttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Singapore-Livinghttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Beauty_Is_In_The_Eyes_Of_The_Beholderhttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Beauty_Is_In_The_Eyes_Of_The_Beholderhttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Beauty_Is_In_The_Eyes_Of_The_Beholderhttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://maddieruud.hubpages.com/hub/Proper_Posture_for_Computer_Usehttp://maddieruud.hubpages.com/hub/Proper_Posture_for_Computer_Usehttp://maddieruud.hubpages.com/hub/Proper_Posture_for_Computer_Usehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Beauty_Is_In_The_Eyes_Of_The_Beholderhttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Singapore-Living


3/6

Infrequentblinking causesthe tear film in our eyes to evaporate. While a

person blinks 15 times per minute, the blink rate comes down to 5 times in

a minute when working on a computer because of continuosly staring at the

screen. Blinking is important for spreading of tears to form an even film on

the eye surface. Inadequate blinking causes the eyes to become dry andirritated.

Correct Posture

What Can Be Done To Reduce Computer VisionSyndrome?

Anyone who has the symptoms or suspects of CVSshould have a thorough

eye check with aneye specialist. Apart from this a few precautions could

reduce the risk ofCVS.Screen Distance

Ideally the monitor should be at a distance of 16-30 inches from the eyes

depending on the size of your screen. Also adjust the height of the

computer table or the chair, so that the middle of the screen is 15-20

degrees below eye level. Always try to use an ergonomic chair as it helps

in reducing neck and back pains in users.

Avoid Air Drafts

Avoid sitting in front of a pedestal/table fan or an airconditioner facing its airdraft while working on a computer.

Reducing Glare

Position your computer screen so that the windows are to the side rather

than the back or front. Using glare filter screens on monitors are helpful.

Blink More

Make a conscious effort to blink more often. Try to blinkevery time you

make a click with the mouse or every time you hit "ENTER!. Alternately you

could try the suggested formula 20:20:20. That is, every 20 minutes : for 20

seconds : blink 20 times.

Use Eye Lubrication

Lubricatingeye dropshelp to moisterize your eyes. Eyes become dry and

irritated by working for long hours on the computer. Lubricating eye drops
http://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunamihttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunamihttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunamihttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Bollywood_Actress_Photos_For_Augusthttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Bollywood_Actress_Photos_For_Augusthttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Bollywood_Actress_Photos_For_Augusthttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Is-Lasik-for-You-Lasik-in-Singaporehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Bollywood_Actress_Photos_For_Augusthttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/December-26-The-Boxing-Day-Tsunami


4/6

help in reducing eye strain and redness, provides soothing effect to he

eyes and releaves irritation.

Take a 5 minute break for every thirty munutes of work on your computer.

This can reduce eye fatigue and get you refreshed.

If you experience any of the following do not hesitate to consult your

ophthalmologist:for you may be a victim ofComputer Vision

Syndrome!

Burning eyes, double vision, eye fatigue or tiredness, blurry distance

vision when looking up from the monitor, dry, tired, or sore eyes,

when you need to squint to focus on the screen, neck, shoulder, or

back pain, headaches during or after working at the computer, when

driving or during night vision is worse after using a computer, whenyou see "halos" around objects on the screen, and when you need to

interrupt work frequently to rest eye. Three or more of these

symptoms will be associated withComputer Vision Syndrome.

An estimated 40 percent to 70 percent of computer users suffer from

dry, irritated eyes. The good news is that it can be treated

http://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Computer-Vision-Syndrome
http://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Computer-Vision-Syndromehttp://sunseven.hubpages.com/hub/Computer-Vision-Syndrome


5/6

4 Your Health: Computer VisionBy Vince Vitrano

Do you ever notice that after a couple of hours sitting at the computer you don't feel very

well? It could be a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome.

Will Bulka spends a big chunk of his work day online.

"I look at a computer screen anywhere between 8 to 10 hours a day," he says.

It takes its toll. He says, "You know, I come home from work sometimes with terrible

headaches."

Headaches, blurred vision, focusing problems: All of these symptomspresent, practitioners will be refer to as having Computer VisionSyndrome. The American Optometric Association says CVS is not anofficial diagnosis, but is a real problem. It impacts as many as 70% ofthose who work on their computers daily for at least two hours.

Dr. Jim Sheedy is with the American Optometric Association. "It's just proliferated as

computers have proliferated in our workplaces and our homes," Dr. Sheedy says.

It can also happen when you're texting a lot.

It can affect anyone but certain groups are more prone to problems. "Anyone who

requires bifocals or progressive lenses to work at a computer, because your typical

bifocals are designed for looking down about 25 degrees at a viewing distance of about

16 inches. That's not where the computer is so very often a person needs to take their

general issue bifocals and go like this and then like this and they end up with neck and

back aches," Dr. Sheedy explains.

It could also cause dry eyes.

"Their blink rate goes way down. They only blink about one third as frequently as, say,

when you're engaged in conversation and the primary reason is to re-wet the eyes. So if

your blink rate goes down, your eyes are open longer and you tend to get dry eyes," Dr.

Sheedy says.
http://www.todaystmj4.com/about/people/121255414.htmlhttp://www.todaystmj4.com/about/people/121255414.htmlhttp://www.todaystmj4.com/about/people/121255414.html


6/6

Postmenopausal women are also at risk because they may have dry eyes to begin with,

and anyone at any age who plays computer games for hours is also vulnerable.

What can you do? Fix your work environment for one.

"You should not have bright peripheral lights in your field of view and get your computer

display straight in front of you. You should not have to look off to the side to see your

computer display. Also, the display should be at the same horizontal level as your eyes

and this way you're looking slightly downward at it," Dr. Sheedy suggests.

And use the 20-20-20 rule, taking breaks every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, looking off

about 20 feet at something three-dimensional instead of flat.

That helps Will Bulka. "I'll go walk outside, try to get some sunshine just get my eyes

where they don't have to focus so much on a, on a gleaming screen," Will says.

Dr. Sheedy with the AOA says the good news is that there's no real evidence of long

term damage from CVS, and that if you're suffering there is treatment.

http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/yourhealth/96006184.html
http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/yourhealth/96006184.htmlhttp://www.todaystmj4.com/features/yourhealth/96006184.html

you have computer vision syndrome

Documents