What portion of your day do you spend looking at a computer screen? Technology is an integrated part of daily living in our modern world. It’s common for people to sit at a computer throughout the workday, then spend their entertainment time in the evening looking at a screen as well.
Computer Vision Syndrome: What You Need to Know
While these digital tools can be valuable resources for work, staring at a computer screen can take a toll on your eyes over time. Even though sitting still seems like a low-impact activity, looking at the screen is a visually-demanding practice. When you are looking at the screen for any length of time, you might experience symptoms related to computer vision syndrome (CVS).
Your eyes react differently to a screen compared to printed characters. When you are looking at a printed page, it has a clear definition and contrast, with well-defined edges. But you don’t get this same level of contrast on a screen since the words and images are created with tiny pixels.
Focusing problems are also a common issue that happens with computer vision syndrome. For example, moving your eyes between the screen, to the keyboard, and other objects on your desk might be difficult because the eyes have trouble changing focus.
Common symptoms of computer vision syndrome include:
- Blurred vision
- Strained eyes
- Headaches
- Tired eyes
- Eye twitching
- Double vision
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Red eyes
These symptoms can affect people of all ages. After the age of 40, not only are people dealing with the symptoms of CVS, but they also can have vision disruptions because of the onset of age-related vision changes (presbyopia).
Looking at a Computer Screen? Try Computer Glasses
If you spend significant time looking at a computer screen, then your doctor might recommend computer glasses. The proper computer eyewear can reduce strain and help you feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Here are a few reasons why computer glasses can be beneficial:
- Reduce Glare: These glasses have special lenses that decrease the glare coming off the reflections on the computer screen. Make sure your glasses have an anti-reflective coating.
- Refocusing: The right glasses can make the screen clearer, which helps to eliminate the constant refocusing that happens when your eyes are viewing the pixels.
- Prescription: If you need a prescription, then your computer glasses can provide the ideal support to increase your accuracy and productivity while looking at the computer screen.
- Multifocal Lenses: Patients with any degree of presbyopia can benefit from multifocal lenses, providing an optimal depth of focus for objects nearby and far away.
The good news is that computer glasses look like regular glasses, which means that you can add a bit of style to your work wardrobe.
Personalized Computer Glasses
Each patient is unique, which is why it’s best to talk to an optometrist about your options. If you spend time looking at a computer screen each day, then schedule an eye exam with our team to learn more about the ways you can benefit from computer glasses.
