Computer vision syndrome CVS is a general term for the symptoms experienced by computer users who spend too much time in front of a computer. The name stems from the theory that there is an increasing incidence of people experiencing eye fatigue and other associated problems. It can occur from long periods of use or changes in exposure to different light levels, pressure, or posture. We explain what causes CVS, how to prevent it, and ways to deal with it when you experience it. To find out if you are experiencing computer vision syndrom visit eye exams el paso.
What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome
- Long computer usage hours
You are sitting in front of a computer for long periods. You may not even feel tired, but your eyes might feel irritated or overstressed, causing eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.
- Improper computer use posture
Sitting or standing in a poor ergonomic position, for example, with your wrists bent or your head tilted back. For example, you were not using proper desk height when working at a computer.
- Improper lighting
Working in poor light will cause eye strain. It’s good to have at least one window in your work area and use natural sunlight or full-spectrum lighting. Also, don’t sit near bright lights or fluorescent lights, as they can fall into the eyes and cause CVS symptoms.
- Computer programming errors
Prolonged computer work can cause eyestrain if you stare at the screen too long without taking breaks. Programming errors can cause it.
- Exposure to different light levels, refresh rates
Exposure to different light levels or refresh rates can cause eyestrain. Also, some people become tired after working in front of a computer for a long time if they need to work at an awkward screen height or find it necessary to rotate the screen as they work.
- Eye strain may or may not have a visual symptom
Eye strain can have no visible symptoms. However, it can still cause symptoms, whether in an area of the visual field, blurred vision, or the ear. The most common thing eye strain does is cause visual symptoms, such as headaches and irritations of the eyes and eyelids.
Although CVS is often caused by eyestrain, other factors cause CVS, such as color blindness, light sensitivity, depression, and difficulties with glare.
How To Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome
- Take breaks
Rest your eyes at least every 30 minutes by blinking and looking away from the screen. Look toward the ceiling or look around the room. It allows your eye muscles to relax and relieves built-up stress on the eye.
- Adjust your posture
Sit with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart, back supported by a chair or a backrest, and don’t lean forward onto your desk. Make sure you adjust your keyboard and mouse to be at arm’s length. For example, you can place your mouse on your lap instead of the desk.
- Adjust your computer screen and lighting
When you sit at a computer, you should set up the screen at eye level with the top of the monitor and move around your workspace comfortably without changing your eye height or head position. You may have to adjust brightness and contrast according to what is displayed or printed on the monitor; use a dimmer switch when working with graphics.
- Adjust the screen height
Adjusting the screen and backlighting can be done through a computer’s control panel. Adjust center-horizontal to make sure your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. Adjust vertical top-bottom and horizontal left-right. Adjust contrast and brightness if necessary. You can change the adjustable screen manually or install software to adjust the brightness and contrast levels of the screen automatically.
- Reduce computer work light intensity
Use a room light instead of bright overhead lighting when working at the computer. Turn off overhead lights when working in a room with an overhead light fixture that is too bright for your eyes. Use a desk lamp when working at a table or have an adjustable lamp to help keep an uneven lighting level over your entire workspace or adjust if necessary.
There are multiple causes of CVS. Make sure to understand each cause and try to adjust your work environment as much as possible to eliminate the factors that cause CVS. If you experience CVS, take frequent breaks and use recommended eye exercises. Do not strain your eyes by reading with a dim light source, doing close work, or looking at the computer for too long.
