Spending long hours in front of the computer could give you Computer Vision Syndrome, say experts
If you use a computer for hours daily for work or leisure, chances are that you might be suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, US, CVS affects some 90 per cent of the people who spend three hours or more a day at a computer. Read on to learn more.
What is it?
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) can be defined as a series of vision and eye-related problems that occur due to prolonged use of computers. However, it is important to note that that these vision and eye-related problems is not only limited to the use of computers but also TV screens, smartphones, videogames.
Symptoms
Irritation of the eyes
Blurred vision
Itching
Redness
Burning sensation
Dryness of eyes
Fatigue
Unable to easily change focus from far to near objects
Causes
Eye surgeon Dr Himanshu Mehta describes CVS as "a concocction of various factors like excessive exposure to electronic screens, lack of sleep, being in an air conditioned environment, smoking, etc. When there occurs intent watching, the eyes tend not to blink. When this happens, the tear film breaks. The action of blinking works like a viper and cleans the cornea." But you don't need to worry about how much to blink while using the computer. "We routinely blink due to blink reflex. We don't have to consciously make efforts to blink. If you do not blink enough, your body will give you signals like eye strain, burning sensation, itchiness, etc," he adds.
Dr Susheel Deshmukh, glaucoma and cataract consultant, Bhojraj Chanrai Sankara Eye Hospital defines CVS as "a temporary phenomenon associated with long hours of near work. Our eyes are not meant to focus objects at a 30 to 40 cm distance. When the amount of near work increases, the eye muscles are not able to compensate for the near work, and they get fatigued developing discomfort giving rise to symptoms. Reasons vary from long working hours, not wearing glasses, wearing glasses with incorrect power, etc."
Who's prone to it?
Since we live in an electronic era, there's no age group that is immune to CVS. Dr Deshmukh however says that the age group of 30 and above is prone to it. The reason being, the composition and quality of the tear film of the eyes is better and dryness is lesser among young individuals. Dr Mehta says the age group for CVS is anywhere between the age of 20 to 80. Also, especially individuals in the IT and stock market sector.
Tests for diagnosis
Just because one experiences eye and vision-related problems like dryness, itching, redness, tiredness, etc. it cannot only mean CVS alone. Therefore, Dr Deshmukh informs about a seriesof tests that need to be done in order to rule out other conditions that causes similar symptoms:
A complete eye examination including spectacle power estimation.
An orthoptic evaluation to check ocular muscle balance.
Tear function evaluation
Work ergonomic assessment which includes checking for room lighting, brightness of the screens, anti-glare, etc.
Treatment
CVS is easily treatable. However, this doesn't mean you can put aside your symptoms on the backburner. It's always better to visit to an opthalmologist as soon as you can. If you've been using over-the-counter eye drops to seek relief from CVS symptoms, be sure to avoid the ones which contain steroids and antibiotics, warns Dr Mehta.
Dr Deshmukh says that using eyedrops provide only temporary relief and not treat the problem. For example, eyedrops will only take care of the dryness of the eyes, not for redness, strain, itching, etc. Therefore, one needs to visit an ophthalmologist for treatment and management which involves identifying the precipitating cause and rectifying it. Also, lifestyle modification is an integral part involving doing eye muscle strengthening exercises and orthoptic exercises, wearing the correct type and power glasses, decreasing brightness of screens by 20 to 25 per cent and increasing contrast by 10 to 15 per cent.
TIPS
The 20:20:20 rule
This is very simple exercise which requires one to every 20 minutes, focus the eyes on an object 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds.
Another option is to close your eyes for 20 seconds, at least every half hour.
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