Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, may result from excessive exposure to digital screens, including computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Digital screens can cause greater eye strain than reading from paper because of glare, close distances, blue light headache, dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision and double vision. The level of discomfort is proportional to the amount of digital screen use.
Reducing screen time is the most effective way to alleviate the effects of computer vision syndrome, but it is not always feasible in this digital age. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.
Computer vision syndrome glasses, glasses with anti-fatigue lenses, are designed to filter a portion of blue light in the 400–455 nm range. Other effective strategies to manage computer vision syndrome include taking regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule, adjusting screen settings, using a smart screen and maintaining proper posture. On this page, you’ll learn all about those computer vision syndrome management techniques and the condition itself.
What Contributes to Computer Vision Syndrome?
Reading from paper or similar mediums allow for natural eye movement and focus adjustments. In contrast, digital screens present unique challenges. Digital devices contribute to computer vision syndrome in several ways, including:
- Glare and reflection: Screens can produce glare and reflections not associated with reading from paper. This additional light can lead to eye fatigue and strain.
- Viewing distance and angle: Reading from digital screens often involves closer distances and less optimal angles than paper reading, contributing to further eye strain.
- Blink rate: People tend to blink less frequently when using digital devices, often leading to dry eyes.
- Blue light: Digital screens emit blue light, and prolonged exposure to blue light can be a source of eye discomfort and fatigue.
- Existing visual problems: Certain existing vision problems, including uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, can contribute to computer vision syndrome.
Those who spend two or more continuous hours at a digital device every day are at the greatest risk of developing computer vision syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is prevalent among individuals who frequently use digital devices. Research shows that 50% or more of people who use computer screens experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome, such as:
- Headache
- Dry eyes
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Eye irritation
- Difficulty refocusing vision
How Long Does Computer Vision Syndrome Last?
For most people, computer vision syndrome symptoms diminish within a few hours to a few days after stopping or reducing screen use. However, if the individual continues to engage in intensive screen use without appropriate breaks or ergonomic adjustments, symptoms can persist and worsen over time.
How Does an Eye Doctor Diagnose Computer Vision Syndrome?
Your eye doctor can diagnose digital eye strain by evaluating your symptoms and conducting a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your doctor determines whether you have computer vision syndrome or other vision problems by focusing on several areas:
- Patient history: A discussion of your symptoms, digital device usage, and any relevant health history
- Visual acuity measurements: An assessment of how clearly you can see at different distances to detect vision problems
- Refraction test: A determination of the correct lens power needed to address refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Focusing and eye coordination tests: An evaluation of the ability of your eyes to focus and work together
Based on these assessments, the optometrist can differentiate computer vision syndrome from other vision issues and recommend appropriate treatments, such as computer vision syndrome glasses like Evolve Anti-Fatigue Lenses, or ergonomic adjustments.
What Are the Treatment Options for Computer Vision Syndrome?
Most treatments for computer vision syndrome involve changing your work environment. Simple changes like these suggestions may help reduce symptoms:
- Reduce the glare on your computer screen: The easiest way to fix this is to position your screen in a way that doesn’t produce glare or to add blinds or drapes to the windows. If this is not possible, consider adding a glare filter to your digital device.
- Computer screen location: Your digital screen should be slightly below eye level and 20 to 28 inches from your face.
- Seating position: Use a comfortable ergonomic chair. Your feet should be able to rest flat on the floor.
- 20-20-20 rule: This is a great way to give your eyes a break. Roughly every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for around 20 seconds. Set a timer to get into the habit—and teach your kids to do this too!
- Screen settings: If you’re straining to see your screen clearly, change the settings to find what works best for you. This may include increasing font size or adjusting brightness or contrast.
- Blink often: Blinking helps prevent your eyes from drying out. If they are still dry, try using eye drops to help add moisture.
Out-of-date vision prescriptions can cause eye strain, which can exacerbate computer vision syndrome symptoms. Make sure to visit your eye doctor annually (more if your doctor recommends it) to keep your prescription current.
Your eye doctor may recommend blue light filtering lenses, which can reduce exposure to blue light. Visionworks’ Smart Screen lenses filter out 45% more blue light than standard plastic lenses. Anti-fatigue lenses may also be a recommended, which work well in combination with smart screen lenses.
Do You Need Glasses If You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?
Whether you need glasses for computer vision syndrome depends on several factors, including your vision health and how much time you spend in front of screens. Additionally, there are many benefits of using non-prescription blue light glasses. Here’s a look at some glasses that your eye doctor may recommend:
- Non-prescription blue light filtering lenses: These glasses are for individuals who don’t need vision correction but still experience eye strain from screens. Glasses equipped with these lenses may reduce screen glare and reflections depending on the coating used and provide blue light filtration for cosmetic or lens clarity preferences.
- Non-prescription anti-fatigue lenses: Anti-fatigue lenses are designed with a slight power boost, seamlessly integrated into the bottom of the lens. These lenses work with no prescription or in conjunction with an existing single-vision prescription.
- Prescription glasses: If you have refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, an optometrist can prescribe glasses that correct these issues and include blue light filtering to combat computer vision syndrome.
- Blue light filtering lenses for kids: Children are increasingly exposed to screens at a young age, making blue light filtering lenses for kids a smart choice. These lenses help filter high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by digital screens and natural sources.
- Combination of Lens Options: Whether prescription or non-prescription, a combination of blue light filtering, anti-fatigue, and anti-glare lens option combination may offer the best solution to alleviate computer vision syndrome.
What Can You Do to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome?
Preventing computer vision syndrome involves taking the same steps as treating it. Ensure that your computer and chair are in the correct positions, avoid glare on the screen, adjust your screen settings, remember to give your eyes a break by following the 20-20-20 rule and blink often.
If you still experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome after taking these measures, visit your eye doctor. Blue light filtering lenses may help reduce computer vision syndrome symptoms, so your doctor might recommend them.
See a Visionworks Optometrist If You Have Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
Experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome? Don’t let digital eye strain impact your daily life. A Visionworks optometrist can provide a thorough eye exam and recommend tailored solutions, such as prescription glasses or non-prescription blue light filtering lenses, or anti-fatigue lenses, or a combination of both, in your glasses.
Protect your vision and enhance your digital experience by scheduling an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is computer vision syndrome?
How long does computer vision syndrome last?
How do I get rid of computer vision syndrome?
What are the main causes of computer vision syndrome?
Do you need glasses for computer vision syndrome?
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
Computer vision syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, may result from excessive exposure to digital screens, including computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Digital screens can cause greater eye strain than reading from paper because of glare, close distances, blue light headache, dry eyes, fatigue, blurred vision and double vision. The level of discomfort is proportional to the amount of digital screen use.
Reducing screen time is the most effective way to alleviate the effects of computer vision syndrome, but it is not always feasible in this digital age. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.
Computer vision syndrome glasses, glasses with anti-fatigue lenses, are designed to filter a portion of blue light in the 400–455 nm range. Other effective strategies to manage computer vision syndrome include taking regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule, adjusting screen settings, using a smart screen and maintaining proper posture. On this page, you’ll learn all about those computer vision syndrome management techniques and the condition itself.
What Contributes to Computer Vision Syndrome?
Reading from paper or similar mediums allow for natural eye movement and focus adjustments. In contrast, digital screens present unique challenges. Digital devices contribute to computer vision syndrome in several ways, including:
- Glare and reflection: Screens can produce glare and reflections not associated with reading from paper. This additional light can lead to eye fatigue and strain.
- Viewing distance and angle: Reading from digital screens often involves closer distances and less optimal angles than paper reading, contributing to further eye strain.
- Blink rate: People tend to blink less frequently when using digital devices, often leading to dry eyes.
- Blue light: Digital screens emit blue light, and prolonged exposure to blue light can be a source of eye discomfort and fatigue.
- Existing visual problems: Certain existing vision problems, including uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, can contribute to computer vision syndrome.
Those who spend two or more continuous hours at a digital device every day are at the greatest risk of developing computer vision syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome?
Computer vision syndrome is prevalent among individuals who frequently use digital devices. Research shows that 50% or more of people who use computer screens experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome, such as:
- Headache
- Dry eyes
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Eye irritation
- Difficulty refocusing vision
How Long Does Computer Vision Syndrome Last?
For most people, computer vision syndrome symptoms diminish within a few hours to a few days after stopping or reducing screen use. However, if the individual continues to engage in intensive screen use without appropriate breaks or ergonomic adjustments, symptoms can persist and worsen over time.
How Does an Eye Doctor Diagnose Computer Vision Syndrome?
Your eye doctor can diagnose digital eye strain by evaluating your symptoms and conducting a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your doctor determines whether you have computer vision syndrome or other vision problems by focusing on several areas:
- Patient history: A discussion of your symptoms, digital device usage, and any relevant health history
- Visual acuity measurements: An assessment of how clearly you can see at different distances to detect vision problems
- Refraction test: A determination of the correct lens power needed to address refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Focusing and eye coordination tests: An evaluation of the ability of your eyes to focus and work together
Based on these assessments, the optometrist can differentiate computer vision syndrome from other vision issues and recommend appropriate treatments, such as computer vision syndrome glasses like Evolve Anti-Fatigue Lenses, or ergonomic adjustments.
What Are the Treatment Options for Computer Vision Syndrome?
Most treatments for computer vision syndrome involve changing your work environment. Simple changes like these suggestions may help reduce symptoms:
- Reduce the glare on your computer screen: The easiest way to fix this is to position your screen in a way that doesn’t produce glare or to add blinds or drapes to the windows. If this is not possible, consider adding a glare filter to your digital device.
- Computer screen location: Your digital screen should be slightly below eye level and 20 to 28 inches from your face.
- Seating position: Use a comfortable ergonomic chair. Your feet should be able to rest flat on the floor.
- 20-20-20 rule: This is a great way to give your eyes a break. Roughly every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for around 20 seconds. Set a timer to get into the habit—and teach your kids to do this too!
- Screen settings: If you’re straining to see your screen clearly, change the settings to find what works best for you. This may include increasing font size or adjusting brightness or contrast.
- Blink often: Blinking helps prevent your eyes from drying out. If they are still dry, try using eye drops to help add moisture.
Out-of-date vision prescriptions can cause eye strain, which can exacerbate computer vision syndrome symptoms. Make sure to visit your eye doctor annually (more if your doctor recommends it) to keep your prescription current.
Your eye doctor may recommend blue light filtering lenses, which can reduce exposure to blue light. Visionworks’ Smart Screen lenses filter out 45% more blue light than standard plastic lenses. Anti-fatigue lenses may also be a recommended, which work well in combination with smart screen lenses.
Do You Need Glasses If You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?
Whether you need glasses for computer vision syndrome depends on several factors, including your vision health and how much time you spend in front of screens. Additionally, there are many benefits of using non-prescription blue light glasses. Here’s a look at some glasses that your eye doctor may recommend:
- Non-prescription blue light filtering lenses: These glasses are for individuals who don’t need vision correction but still experience eye strain from screens. Glasses equipped with these lenses reduce exposure to blue light emitted by digital devices, which can help decrease eye fatigue and improve comfort during prolonged screen use.
- Non-prescription anti-fatigue lenses: Anti-fatigue lenses are designed with a slight power boost, seamlessly integrated into the bottom of the lens. These lenses work with no prescription or in conjunction with an existing single-vision prescription.
- Prescription glasses: If you have refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, an optometrist can prescribe glasses that correct these issues and include blue light filtering to combat computer vision syndrome.
- Blue light filtering lenses for kids: Children are increasingly exposed to screens at a young age, making blue light filtering lenses for kids a smart choice. These lenses help protect their developing eyes from the potentially harmful effects of prolonged digital device use.
- Combination of Lens Options: Whether prescription or non-prescription, a combination of blue light filtering, anti-fatigue, and anti-glare lens option combination may offer the best solution to alleviate computer vision syndrome.
What Can You Do to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome?
Preventing computer vision syndrome involves taking the same steps as treating it. Ensure that your computer and chair are in the correct positions, avoid glare on the screen, adjust your screen settings, remember to give your eyes a break by following the 20-20-20 rule and blink often.
If you still experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome after taking these measures, visit your eye doctor. Blue light filtering lenses may help reduce computer vision syndrome symptoms, so your doctor might recommend them.
See a Visionworks Optometrist If You Have Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
Experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome? Don’t let digital eye strain impact your daily life. A Visionworks optometrist can provide a thorough eye exam and recommend tailored solutions, such as prescription glasses or non-prescription blue light filtering lenses, or anti-fatigue lenses, or a combination of both, in your glasses.
Protect your vision and enhance your digital experience by scheduling an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is computer vision syndrome?
How long does computer vision syndrome last?
How do I get rid of computer vision syndrome?
What are the main causes of computer vision syndrome?
Do you need glasses for computer vision syndrome?
