Do You Suffer From Computer Vision Syndrome?

Do You Suffer From Computer Vision Syndrome?

Believe it or not, there really is a condition known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Surprised? Well you shouldn’t be given the fact that it is likely to affect those who spend more than two hours a day in front of a computer screen. We all know at least a few people who fit that category!

How many hours each day do you stare at a computer screen?

If you use the computer and wear glasses, invest in some glasses designed for computer use.

The symptoms of CVS include:
•Blurred or double vision
•Headaches
•Dry eyes
•Neck and/or shoulder pain
•Difficulty focusing
•Sharp or dull pain
•Light sensitivity

Why does CVS occur? It seems that your eyes react much differently to computer-generated images than they do to images in printed materials. Computer–generated images are made up of small dots called pixels, and your eyes find it difficult to adjust to focusing on them.

Computer users who wear bifocals have a particularly difficult time. Bifocals force the wearer to tilt their head backward so they can view the computer monitor through the lower portion of the lens. Prolonged head tilt can lead to neck, shoulder pain and back pain and headaches.

Most eyeglasses and contacts are designed for print reading and not for computer work. However, many optometrists are beginning to recommend eyeglasses and contacts that are specifically designed for reading at computer monitor distance. They may very well be worth the investment, especially if they reduce the impact of CVS-related eye problems.

Dr Douglas Yost Shoreview, MN Headache Specialist