Computer Vision Syndrome

With technology taking over more and more of our lives, many of our patients are experiencing computer vision syndrome symptoms. With the help of our doctor of optometry, you can learn more about computer vision syndrome and how it can be treated in Fremont, CA.

Long-term computer use can lead to discomfort and eye strain. The older you are and the more years you have spent looking at a computer screen increase the impact computer use has on your vision. As you age, your eyes naturally lose their ability to focus because the lens becomes less flexible. If you think you are beginning to have focus or other vision problems and you live in the Fremont, CA area, visit Warm Springs Optometric Group today.

Squinting at computer, tablet, or mobile screens for hours at a time is a normal part of our lives in the 21st century. Unfortunately, eye problems associated with this activity are also on the rise. Even if you have never had eye problems before, you may have noticed computer vision syndrome symptoms after two or more hours of screen time.

Signs include:

• Blurry vision
• Eye strain and discomfort
• Headaches
• Dry, scratchy eyes
• Neck and/or shoulder pain

Even if your symptoms are mild, they can worsen and cause other vision problems if not addressed. Our optometrists, Dr. Bavishi and associates, can help.

How Do Computers Impact Your Vision?

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) consists of a series of problems that impact your vision as a result of computer use. As many as 90 percent of people that use computers have symptoms of CVS. This tends to happen when your eyes travel over the same path repeatedly. The constant movement of your eyes as you read takes a good amount of effort for the muscles of your eyes. People also tend to blink less when they are looking at a computer screen. This causes your eyes to dry out, causing even more CVS symptoms.

What causes computer vision syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome is caused by the overuse of digital devices. Our eyes don’t struggle to focus on printed materials, but the characters on a computer screen, phone, or tablet, don’t have the same contrast. This makes it difficult for our eyes to focus well. As they struggle, the eye muscles continuously flex, which causes a variety of symptoms.

What are some symptoms of computer vision syndrome?

Many patients who have computer vision syndrome suffer from digital eye strain. Some common symptoms include:

• Eye strain
• Blurry vision
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Shoulder or neck pain

At Warm Springs Optometric Group, our doctor of optometry offers superior eye care to patients suffering from any of these symptoms. Most of these symptoms are caused by glare, improper viewing distances, poor lighting, and even uncorrected vision problems. The extent that you may experience these symptoms depends on your visual acuity and the time you spend using devices. If you have astigmatism, farsightedness, or an eye-focusing problem, they can all contribute to the development of these symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome

The severity and length of computer vision syndrome symptoms depends on how long you stare at the computer, your posture, lighting, glare, the angle of the monitor, and whether or not you have other diagnosed or undiagnosed vision problems. If you already suffer from astigmatism, farsightedness, presbyopia, aging eyes, and/or diabetic eye problems, your computer vision symptoms may worsen. This can even be the case if you already have prescription contacts or glasses. Many regular eyeglasses and contact lenses are not designed to deflect the problems caused by computer screens.

Our Optometrists will take your symptoms, pre-existing conditions, and potential undiagnosed conditions into account as he performs the following eye tests:

• Visual acuity—Measures the quality of your current vision.
• Refraction—Tests the potential lens prescriptions that would optimize your vision.
• Focus and Eye Coordination—Tests how well your eyes work together and how quickly and accurately your eyes are able to focus on objects and varying distances.

From these measurements, our optometrists can design a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms. For people with otherwise normal eyes and vision, a set of specially-designed glasses used during the time you are working on the computer can be very helpful. For patients already wearing contacts or glasses, new, more computer-friendly prescriptions are available. In addition to these treatment options, there are many things we can suggest to cut down on computer eye strain problems:

• Computer setup—Adjust your monitor so that it is about 15-20 degrees lower than your eye level when seated between 20-28 inches away from the screen. Reference materials can be placed on a document holder between the monitor and keyboard, or to the side, but positioned for as little head movement as possible. Also invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor to help reduce glare from surrounding lights. Be sure to sit and work with proper posture.
• Adjust Lighting—If you can, reposition any lighting (or your computer) to minimize glare and use natural lighting whenever possible.
• Eye Rest and Blinking Breaks—Every 20 minutes during your work, look away toward a distant point for 20 seconds to refocus your eyes, and give them a 15-minute break after each 2-hour computer session. Also remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.

With a combination of the proper optometry care and self-care, you can minimize computer eye syndrome and other modern-day vision problems. Contact us for an appointment today.

Can Proper Eye Care Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome?

Visiting our optometry office allows you to have regular eye exams and keep your glasses or contact lens prescriptions current. If you do not currently wear glasses or contacts, fixing any refractive errors in your vision may help reduce your CVS symptoms. Proper eye care can help control problems such as blurred vision, double vision, irritated eyes, headaches, and even neck and back pain. Other ways to help with your CVS symptoms is to take breaks every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away so that you are not constantly looking at a computer screen. If your eyes feel dry, conscious blinking or the use eye drops can do wonders for reducing the painful itchy and scratchy feeling of having dry eyes.

What are some eye strain relief tips?

To feel some relief from tired or dry eyes, follow these tips:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 rule by taking a 20-second break and looking at something at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes. 2. Correct your posture. The position of your monitor can affect how tired your eyes feel. Position your computer at least an arms-length away. 3. Use ambient lighting to reduce the strain of devices on your eyes. 4. Use anti-glare screens to prevent harmful blue light from eye damage. Try blue light glasses to help filter this harmful light.

Learn How to Treat Computer Vision Syndrome

At Warm Springs Optometric Group, our doctor of optometry can diagnose and treat computer vision syndrome. During an eye exam, we can discuss your symptoms to determine the best possible treatment for your eye health. When you’re experiencing any eye strain symptoms, call our Fremont, CA, office to schedule an appointment for optimal eye care.

Why Choose Warm Springs Optometric Group?

Warm Springs Optometric Group has been providing premier optometry care around Fremont since 1985. We are dedicated to providing excellent and structured eye care to every one of our patients. We know that regular eye appointments and exams are crucial to ensuring optimal eye health. Contact us today so we can schedule an appointment for you today. Our number is (510) 490-0287.