Houston, TX Treatment for Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

 

Findings from the American Optometric Association show that more than 70 percent of the Americans that work every day from a computer (around 143 million people) suffer from computer vision syndrome or eye strain. Prolonged computer use can cause eye fatigue and effect eyesight in kids as well as adults. Anyone that works over two hours per day in front of computer is at risk of some degree of computer related eye fatigue.

Effects of Computer Eye Strain

Lengthy computer use may result in some if not all of the common symptoms of computer vision syndrome including:

• Headache
• Loss of Focus
• A Burning Sensation
• Dry Eyes
• Double Vision
• Blurred Sight
• Pain in Neck and Shoulders

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?
Eye fatigue from computer use results from the necessity for our eyes and brain to adapt to processing characters on an electronic screen in a different way than they do for printed letters. Although our eyes are used to focusing on printed content that has dense black characters with distinct borders, they are less familiar with characters on a digital screen that don't have the same amount of clarity and sharpness.
Letters on a digital screen are composed of combinations of tiny points of light (pixels), which are most luminous at the center and dimmer as they move outward. This makes it more difficult for our visual processing center to focus on on this text. Instead, our eyes reduce focus to the ''resting point of accommodation'' or RPA.

Through involuntary movements, our eyes move to the RPA and then have to make a great effort to regain focus on the screen. This continual flexing of the eyes' focusing muscles results in the fatigue and eye strain that sometimes are present with extended computer use. CVS isn't just an issue for computer users. Other handheld devices such as smart phones or tablets can cause similar strain that can be in some cases even worse. Since the screens on handheld digital devices are often small the user often strains even more to focus on text.

Treatment for Computer Vision Syndrome and Eye Strain
CVS can be extremely uncomfortable so if you are suffering from these symptoms it is worthwhile to consult an eye doctor sooner than later.

During an exam, the eye doctor will perform tests to detect any vision issues that could contribute to CVS. According to the outcome of the exam, your doctor may prescribe ophthalmic computer glasses to help you work more efficiently at your screen. An anti-reflective coating is highly recommended for computer eyeglasses. Such a coating lessens glare that may affect your ability to focus on images on your computer.

Alternative Treatments for CVS
Ergonomics, or setting up your workstation to reduce strains in vision or posture, can help reduce some of the discomfort of CVS. A well lit work area and taking periodic breaks from staring at the screen will cause some relief. Nevertheless, very often computer eyeglasses are also required to fully eliminate CVS.

If you would like to speak to a professional eye doctor to discuss the signs and treatments for computer vision syndrome, contact our Houston, TX optometric practice.

Video Testimonials