What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

The prevalence of digital screens in our daily lives has transformed how we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. While these devices offer convenience and connectivity, prolonged exposure to screens can have significant impacts on eye health. One primary concern is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome.

This occurs due to factors like prolonged screen use, improper viewing distances, poor lighting conditions, and reduced blinking, leading to eye fatigue and strain. Additionally, blue light emitted by screens has raised concerns about its potential effects on eye health and sleep patterns.

To mitigate these effects, it's essential to practice healthy screen habits, including taking regular breaks, adjusting screen settings, optimizing lighting conditions, and using blue light filters or computer glasses. This guide to all things digital eye strain, is here to unmask the effects of our digital dependency, and inform you with the strategies to combat eye fatigue.

Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, and smartphone use.

The primary causes of CVS include poor lighting, glare on a digital screen, poor visual ergonomics, improper viewing distances, blue light exposure and reduced blinking. This issue comes with common symptoms characterized by the following.

1. Eye Discomfort: Feeling of soreness, dryness, or irritation in the eyes, often accompanied by a sensation of grittiness or burning.
   
   
2. Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing or experiencing blurred vision, especially after prolonged screen use.
   
   
3. Headaches: Persistent headaches, particularly around the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes, that worsen with prolonged screen time.
   
   
4. Neck and Shoulder Pain: Muscle tension or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back, often due to poor posture or prolonged screen use.
   
   
5. Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, particularly glare from digital screens or bright overhead lighting.
   
   
6. Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to maintain focus or experiencing decreased concentration and productivity, especially during prolonged screen tasks.

Effects of Prolonged Screen Use

Extended periods of digital consumption can lead to a plethora of unpleasant outcomes for your vision and health. These range from everyday annoyances to life long eye health concerns. Let's look at the main risks below.

Impact on Sleep: Exposure to blue light from screens, particularly in the evening, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This disruption in circadian rhythms can lead to difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and daytime drowsiness.

Increased Risk of Myopia: Excessive screen time, particularly during childhood and adolescence, has been linked to an increased risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness).

Impact on Productivity: Digital eye strain can affect daily productivity, as individuals may experience difficulty focusing, decreased concentration, and decreased work efficiency.

Mental Health Impact: Excessive screen time, particularly on social media or gaming platforms, can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

Preventive Measures for Computer Vision Syndrome

Now that you know the 'why' and the 'what', let's talk about the 'how'. Here are some tips to help you combat computer vision syndrome and keep your eyes feeling fresh.

Practice the 20-20-20 Rule

One of the simplest ways to reduce digital eye strain is by taking regular breaks from screen time. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something at least 20 feet away. This will give your eyes a chance to rest and refocus.

Adjust Your Screen Settings

Did you know that the brightness and contrast settings on your screen can affect eye strain? Make sure to adjust them to suit your environment and reduce glare and reflection. You can also invest in an anti-glare screen protector, which helps to reduce the glare from ambient light sources such as overhead lighting or sunlight. This screen protector helps to improve screen visibility, reduce eye strain, and enhance the viewing experience by minimizing glare, reflections, and distractions.

Blue Light Glasses

To reduce the amount of blue light your eyes are taking in, consider investing in a fun pair of blue light glasses. These glasses are equipped with special lenses that contain a coating designed to filter out the blue light emitted by digital screens. By filtering blue light, these glasses can reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by prolonged screen time.

Optimizing Workspace for Eye Health

Practice Good Visual Ergonomics

Make sure your digital workspace is set up in a way that promotes good posture and reduces strain on your eyes. Ensure that your screens are at eye level, and take breaks to stretch and move around frequently. Lighting is also an important aspect when it comes to work space. Create an environment that fosters productivity and well-being.

Cultivating a Lifestyle of Visual Vitality

While technology is an integral part of our lives, it's essential to take care of our eyes and reduce digital screen time. In the US, average screen time per day is 7 hours and 3 minutes. It's time to get off your phone, follow these tips and incorporate healthy visual habits into our daily routine.

Outside the Glass Screen

Encourage spending time outdoors, as natural light exposure is beneficial for eye health. Outdoor activities not only provide a break from screen time but also allow the eyes to relax and adjust to different lighting conditions. Additionally, outdoor play and sports promote physical activity, which supports overall health and reduces the risk of obesity and related conditions.

Hydration Nation

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing dryness and discomfort. Encourage individuals to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to ensure proper hydration. Dry eyes can be exacerbated by dehydration, so staying hydrated can help maintain tear production and keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams not only assess vision health but also detect potential eye conditions and diseases early, when they are most treatable. Take proactive steps to safeguard your eye health and maintain clear vision for years to come.

Digital Defense Eyewear

Don't let digital eye strain dull your life. With a few simple lifestyle adjustments, you can keep your eyes happy and healthy while still enjoying all the benefits technology has to offer. So go ahead and take that much-needed break from your screen, indulge in some outdoor time, and embrace good visual ergonomics - your eyes will thank you.

Explore our collection of frames with blue light filter lenses to help reduce blue light exposure from your computer screen or phone. Our eyewear is designed with your visual well-being in mind, allowing you to enjoy technology without putting a strain on your eyes. Together, we can combat computer vision syndrome and keep our eyes strong.

Sources:

Screen Use For Kids | Eye Health

The Best Desk Setup to Reduce Eye Strain | Youtube

Screen Time Statistics | Backlinko