Eye to Eye to Computer Vision Syndrome

There is more to computers than meets the eye!

Office workers nowadays spend up to eight hours at work everyday typing away on their keyboards and staring hard at their computerscreens. One common problem that is gaining prevalence among them is computer vision syndrome (CVS).

Working at a computer for long periods without breaks can cause unnatural strain to our eyes. As humans, we evolved biologically as “hunters and gatherers”, and our vision was developed primarily for seeing distance (98% of all humans are born farsighted). Our eye muscle systems are most relaxed when we use our vision for distant objects
and space.

What is CVS?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the US, CVS is defined as a complex set of eye and vision problems that are experienced during and related to computer use; a repetitive strain disorder of the eyes.  It is usually caused by a combination of factors, including individual visual problems, poor workplace conditions and improper work habits.

The initial common symptoms of CVS include dry, stinging eyes, periodic blurring or near vision, double vision, headaches, sensitivity to light and contact lens discomfort. Japanese investigators have shown that computer users have a reduced average blinking time while using computers, which leads to a heightened risk of developing short-term dry eyes.

Over time, excessive computer use can have cumulative negative effects on the user, including worsening farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye-focusing disorders and poor eye coordination.

Eyeing the problem

The following are some simple things you can do to help protect your vision when using computers:

•   Set up your computer screen such that the viewing distance between the screen and your eyes is about 30 to 60cm, and the viewing angle is 10 to 20 degrees from midscreen to the top of the screen.

•   Eyestrain is often caused by excessively bright light. If possible, position your monitor so that windows are to the side of it, instead of to the front or back. Also ensure that the overall room illumination is no more than three times brighter than the screen.

•   Use a good monitor of high resolution.

•   Adjust screen brightness and contrast properly, and ensure the text size and colour are optimised for your comfort.

•   To prevent glare and reflections, you can install an antiglare screen on your monitor or have an antireflective coating applied to your glasses. As a last resort, you can move your terminal to an area of limited glare.

•   Remember to blink every now and then (e.g. 10 times every 30 minutes). This is to rewet your eyes and avoid dryness.

•   Ask your eye doctor for artificial tears or eye drops that can alleviate your discomfort.

After the age of 40, see your eye doctor for regular annual exams, because computer users can develop vision changes. An out-of-date prescription may cause eyestrain. Also, there are computer glasses available for those who have trouble focusing on a screen. Your practitioner can advise
on available treatments to help prevent CVS •