Computer Vision Syndrome

This syndrome describes a group of eye-related symptoms that occur due to prolonged computer use. This is becoming a much more common syndrome in today’s age, due to individuals using their computer several hours each day, as well as using their cell phone and/or tablet. Typically, the severity of the eye discomfort increases as more time is spent on these devices.

Common symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Eyestrain
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty in focusing when looking back and forth from your work desk to the computer screen
• Headaches
• Dry, Irritated Eyes
• Watery Eyes
• Neck strain and/or shoulder stiffness

These symptoms are typically due to poorly corrected vision, exacerbation of dry eye, and poor eye muscle coordination and eye alignment. Working on a computer is much different than completing other activities. Computer screens are often located just over 20 inches away from your eyes, which is further out than a typical reading distance. Because of this, your regular pair of glasses may not be the best option for clear, comfortable vision at this distance. Special lens designs can provide you with a larger “intermediate” distance range that will better allow you to function with increased clarity when viewing a computer screen.

There are simple steps that can be taken to reduce or prevent the visual symptoms you may experience with this syndrome. If left untreated, the symptoms will reoccur and perhaps worsen with continued computer use. Schedule an appointment for an evaluation for Computer Vision Syndrome today.