Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome affects people who spend hours in front of a computer screen without proper vision correction and good ergonomics. Although eyes react well to most printed material, they have more problems with electronically-generated characters made up of tiny dots, or pixels.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of computer vision syndrome include eye strain and fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, difficulty focusing over time and sensitivity to light. People also experience headaches and neck and shoulder pain.

Focusing Problems

• People viewing computer screens are typically sitting further away than normal reading distance. Their eyes focus on the screen and then relax to a point behind the screen and constantly have to keep refocusing.

Computer Eyeglasses

• Computer eyeglasses, which are prescription lenses, can relieve computer vision syndrome. Standard reading glasses usually are not sufficient to correct the focusing problems.

Lighting Considerations

• Reducing light in the room also can help, along with reducing glare and reflections. Offices typically are brightly-lit by overhead fluorescent lighting, but computer viewing is easier with about half the light found in most offices.

Take Breaks

• People using a computer throughout the day should take breaks each hour, lasting at least 5 minutes. Looking out a window or taking a short walk can relieve eyestrain and other symptoms.