If you spend several hours every day working with computers and mobile devices, it won’t be long before you experience Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS refers to symptoms of eye strain typically experienced by those who look at digital screens for prolonged periods. While most people can’t avoid looking at digital screens for work, there are easy ways to keep your eyes healthy without sacrificing your productivity.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
CVS is also known as digital eye strain. It’s a group of vision- and eye-related issues that result from using mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, and computers frequently and for long periods.
People usually blink an average of 20 times per minute. This process spreads tears over the eyes, which prevents irritation and dryness. In contrast, people only blink around ten times per minute when they’re reading, playing, or watching on the screen. Add the glare, high contrast of text on the background, and the screen flickering, and you have all the elements of digital eyestrain.
Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome
Do you spend the majority of your workday looking at your screen? Chances are, you’re already familiar with the symptoms of CVS by now, which include:
- Dry, sore, and tired eyes
- Blurry vision
- Headache and migraines
- Itching or burning sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Issues concentrating
- Double vision
- Difficulties keeping eyes open
The higher the amount of screentime, the worse these symptoms tend to get.
4 Simple Tips to Reduce the Effects of Computer Vision Syndrome
The average employee, whether full-time or on a remote set-up, spends around eight hours a day working with a computer. That indicates that millions of people experience CVS. Without proper intervention, it can lead to more sick days, reduced productivity, and more severe vision and health issues. (See Related: Practical Tips to Start Getting Healthy)
The good news is that it doesn’t take much to keep the consequences of digital eye strain at bay. Follow these eye care tips to keep your vision healthy in the workplace:
1. Observe the 20/20/20 rule.
Give your eyes a break from staring at your computer. The 20/20/20 rule says that you should take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away to rest your eyes. Do this every 20 minutes.
2. Adjust your monitor to an eye-friendly position.
Position your screen so that the display is slightly below eye level. This position eliminates the need to bend your neck and make it more complicated to focus on the screen.
3. Reduce glare.
One of the main reasons for eyestrain is glare. Aside from reducing the brightness of your screen, install curtains and blinds to control how much light enters the room. If you can’t do that, you may purchase an anti-glare screen for your monitor to lower the blue light your eyes receive.
4. Consider wearing computer glasses.
Computer glasses offer lens power that aims to reduce the amount of visual effort you need to focus on your computer monitor. Talk to your optometrist about this option, as well as using special lens coating such as blue blocker that prevents too much exposure to screen glare.
Practicing these simple eye care tips allows you to keep your vision healthy without struggling with your workload. Looking for more advice on eye health? Schedule a consultation with your doctor or optometrist.
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