What You Need to Know About Computer Vision Syndrome
After a long day at work, do you sometimes feel a dull ache in your head, or feel like you just can’t see straight, or have really dry eyes? Many patients at Oakland Optometry in Rochester Hills come to us with the same complaints. It’s a relatively new problem, and we are starting to see it more and more in both adults and children. What is this new eye condition? Computer vision syndrome (CVS).
According to Dr. Mark J. Roy of Oakland Optometry, computer vision syndrome is becoming one of the most common eye conditions that we are seeing in our patients. In fact, 125 million people suffer from CVS. Fortunately, it is an easily correctable condition and if managed correctly, won’t lead to long-term damage to your eyes. Here’s the latest on computer vision syndrome.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is a set of vision or eye related problems that stem from spending too much time in front of a computer or tablet screen. This isn’t a limited problem anymore, with most adults and children spending seven or more hours a day in front of a computer or other device. With a greater dependence on computer and tablets in the classroom, we are also starting to see these vision problems in older children as well. There are many things in the office environment that lead to computer vision syndrome such as poor lighting, bad posture, glare on your screen or uncorrected vision problems. The symptoms of computer vision syndrome include:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Blurred Vision
- Dry Eyes
- Neck and Shoulder Pain
How is Computer Vision Syndrome Diagnosed?
When our patients come to us complaining of symptoms related to CVS, we recommend that they have comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam determines if there is a need for corrective lenses to adjust the line of vision, or if the patient’s eyes are working together correctly to focus on the digital screen. A comprehensive eye exam also allows Dr. Roy to diagnose any other vision related issues that may be causing additional eye-strain when working in front of a computer. Comprehensive eye exams are an important part of your preventative health routine, and should be scheduled every year.
Correcting Computer Vision Syndrome - the “a-ha” moment!
For many patients, computer vision syndrome can be corrected using specific lenses for computer use. These custom computer lenses are designed to help alleviate eye strain caused by viewing near objects like cell phones, tablets and computers, for hours on end. Computer lenses also help eliminate computer screen glare and reflections that cause discomfort for many computer users. It’s estimated that up to 75% of computer users could benefit from computer lenses.
Other things we suggest for our patients experiencing computer vision syndrome are corrections to their work space, taking short breaks from their computer, and making sure they are blinking enough while working.
For More Information on Computer Vision Syndrome and How Oakland Optometry in Rochester Hills can help
If you are experiencing the symptoms of computer vision syndrome, we have the perfect computer lenses designed for computer users and patients who perform visually-intense work or hobbies. The optical team at Oakland Optometry are the experts in determining the best computer lens for your lifestyle. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Mark Roy at Oakland Optometry, (248) 373-6500.