computer vision syndrome

Do your eyes hurt or burn when looking at a computer screen? Do they tear, or feel tired after hours of computer use? Do you get headaches after staring at a CRT or LCD computer screen? Do you have neck or shoulder pain? If so then you are probably suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS).  I see many patients who suffer from this condition and have never been offered a comprehensive solution to their problem.

The best way to deal with this is to first have a comprehensive ophthalmological exam to rule out eye diseases. Once this is done then the more basic issues can be addressed.

Think about the extent and type of your computer use by reviewing the following issues:

• If your computer vision use is mostly work related do you feel better on weekends than during the work week? If you feel better on days that you do not work then CVS may be an issue.
• Do you primarily use a laptop or desktop computer? Where is the computer display relative to your eyes?  Is it directly in front of you or do you look down as when using a laptop? Your doctor should know where the display is in order to customize your computer glasses. Measure the distance between your eyes and the computer screen before coming in for customized computer eyeglasses.
• Is your display an old fashioned CRT or an LCD screen? LCD screens are easier on the eyes and usually have an anti-reflective surface. Old-fashioned CRT screens can cause a noticeable “flicker” of images on the screen, a major source of computer eye strain. Even if this flicker is imperceptible, it can still contribute to eye strain and fatigue during computer work. Complications due to flicker are even more likely if the refresh rate of the monitor is less than 75 hertz (Hz). If you must use a CRT at work, adjust the display settings to the highest possible refresh rate.

·        How is the lighting in your computer workspace? Glare is a factor for computer eye strain. It is important to understand that glare can come from various sources, such as reflections off of walls, and not just your computer screen. Several tools can be employed to reduce glare, such as placing an anti-glare screen or a computer hood on your monitor.

• Do you wear bifocals or reading glasses? These are usually not appropriate for computer use. Dedicated specially prescribed computer glasses are necessary if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, because these lenses are generally not optimal for the distance to your computer screen. Putting the head back to see the screen through bottom of bifocals or progressives is what causes neck and shoulder pain.
• Are your eyes dry? Even if they aren’t dry under normal conditions people tend to blink less frequently when they stare at a computer monitor, so additional lubrication with artificial tear drops is very helpful. The tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases, which can be especially problematic for contact lens users. Blinking is very important when working at a computer; it rewets your eyes to avoid dryness and irritation.
• A component of computer eye strain is focusing fatigue. To reduce your risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen, look away from your computer every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object outside or down the hallway. Looking far away relaxes the focusing muscles inside the eye to reduce fatigue. This is especially true for patients under forty (40) years of age.

Please go to this link to see how I solved Dr. Simon Rosenberg’s computer related problems http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goWoYXEEKo8

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