COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME/ OFFICE SYNDROME

These days, many of us have jobs that require us to stare at computer screens for hours at a time which can put a real strain on your eyes. We probably use screens for just about everything -- to work, to relax, or just to keep up with daily life.Eye problems caused by computer use are collectively called computer vision syndrome(CVS). It isn’t one specific problem. Instead, it includes a whole range of eye strain and discomfort. Research shows that between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms. Working adults aren't the only affected. Kids who stare at tablets or use computers during the day at school can have issues too.

How do Computers affect our Eyes?

When you work at a computer, your eyes have to focus and refocus all the time. They move back and forth as you read. You may have to look down at papers and then back up to type. Your eyes react to images constantly moving and changing, shifting focus, sending rapidly varying images to the brain. All these jobs require a lot of effort from your eye muscles. And to make things worse, unlike a book or piece of paper, the screen adds contrast, flicker, and glare. What's more, it is proven that we blink far less frequently when using a computer, which causes the eyes to dry out and blur your vision periodically while working. You’re more likely to have problems if you already have eye trouble, if you need glasses but don't have them, or if you wear the wrong prescription for computer use.

Computer work gets harder as you age and the natural lenses in your eyes becomes less flexible. Somewhere around age 40, your ability to focus on near and far objects will start to go away.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common symptoms are
• Eyestrain                     • Headaches                    • Blurred vision                    • Irritated eyes
• Tired eyes                    • Redness                        • Dryness of eyes

•Neck, shoulder and back ache     and       Difficulty in changing focus between far and near.

If you don’t do anything about them, it could affect more than your eyes. You could also have issues with your work performance.

How Is It Treated/Prevented?

The most important approach in the management of computer vision syndrome is eliminating the causative factor leading to the symptoms. The preventive measures include 

1. Environmental factor modification  and                        2. Proper self eye care.

1.Environmental factor modification:

Cut the glare :Change the lighting around you to reduce the effect on your computer screen. If light from a nearby window casts a glare, move your monitor and close the shades. Ask your employer to install a dimmer switch for the overhead fixtures if they're too bright, or buy a desk lamp with a movable shade that casts light evenly over your desk. You can also add a glare filter to your monitor.

Rearrange your desk: The best position for your monitor is slightly below eye level, about 20 to 28 inches away from your face. You shouldn't have to stretch your neck or strain your eyes to see what's on the screen. Put a stand next to your monitor and place any printed materials you're working from on it. That way, you won't have to look up at the screen and back down at the desk while you type. Musculoskeletal problems related to head and eye postures can often be prevented by proper workstation adjustment.

Customize your settings.You don't have to live with the factory-installed presets if you're uncomfortable. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size until you find what’s best for you.

2.Proper eye care:

Give your eyes a break Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so and look at something around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. Blink often to keep your eyes moist.

Taking a short break, stretching the muscles, change of scenery and a quick walk around the office have been shown to improve productivity and reduce ocular symptoms of stress. Working non stop for more than 4 hours has been associated with eye strain. Frequent short break can restore and relax the accommodative system of the eyes and preventing ocular strain and visual fatigue.

Dry eyes secondary to decreased blink rate can be easily managed by applying lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. Patients are advised to consult their doctor first if they have any ocular symptoms before applying this eye lubricating solution although they are available over the counter in pharmacy.

Those who have history of medical illnesses such as diabetes mellitus and connective tissue disease etc. may affect the eyes and they must see an ophthalmologist without delay.

Visit your eye doctor regularly for exams and to keep your prescriptions up to date.

Get your kids eyes checked, too. Make sure any computers they use are set up at the right height and in good light. Encourage them to take frequent breaks to give their eyes a rest.

Computer vision syndrome is a new problem that has emerged in this century following increase usage of computer both at home and at work. There is a correlation between ocular symptoms such as pain, redness, dryness, blurring of vision, double vision and other head and neck sprains and computer usage. Prevention remains the main strategy in managing of computer vision syndrome. Modification in the ergonomics of the working environment, patient education and proper eye care are important strategies in preventing computer vision syndrome.

Please comment and give your suggestions for topics of your interest.

Thank You!!

* The author is a Consultant Ophthalmologist,Eye Surgeon and Medical Director of Prem Jyoti Eye Care and Hospital, Bhilad(India)