COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

DEFINITION:
It is the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced
during or related to computer use.
Computer Vision Syndrome, also referred to as Digital Eye Strain, describes a group of
eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell
phone use.
Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital
screens for extended periods.
SYMPTOMS:

 Quality of vision is reduced

 Eyestrain develops
 Dryness and discomfort of the eye
 Physical discomforts
 Psychological discomforts
CAUSES:

 Hours of computer use

 Poor eye health
 General health problems
 Reduced blink rate
 Lack of exercise

CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF CVS:

 Poor lighting
 Glare on a digital screen
 Improper viewing distances
 Poor seating posture
 Uncorrected vision problems
 A combination of these factors

CLINICAL FEATURES:
 Eyestrain
 Headache
 Blurred vision
 Dry eyes
 Neck and shoulder pain

TYPES OF FACTORS:
Visual
Ergonomic
Combination
Visual:

 Blurring of vision at Distance or Near

 Delay in refocusing of objects
 Double vision
Ocular:

 Dry eyes
 Watery eyes
 Irritated eyes
 Red eyes

Musculo-Skeletal:

 Neck ache
 Shoulder ache
 Back ache
 Wrist or Arm strain

General :

 Tiredness
 Tension
 More frequent errors

Management:
Refractive correction:

 Eyeglasses or contact lenses may be prescribed to correct refractive error.

 Location of computer screen - Optimally the computer screen should be 15 to 20
degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the
screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
 Seating position - Chairs should be comfortably padded and conform to the body.
Chair height should be adjusted so patient's feet rest on the floor.
 If chair has arms, they should be adjusted to provide arm support while typing.
Patient's wrists shouldn't rest on the keyboard when typing
 Reference materials - The materials should be located above the keyboard and
below the monitor.
 If this is not possible, a document holder can be used beside the monitor. The
goal is to position the documents so patient do not need to move his head to look
from the document to the screen.
 Anti-glare screens - If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources,
consider using a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light
reflected from the screen.
 Lighting - Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead
lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs
in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.
Visual Hygiene:

 20-20-20-Rule: Look at a distant object 20 feet away - every 20 minutes - 20 seconds

of clarity
 Increase the number of blinks when at work
 Rest breaks - for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20
seconds to allow your eyes a chance to refocus an object at 20 feet away
 Blinking - To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer,
blink frequently. (15-20/ min normal blink rate)

Vision therapy:

 Vision therapy may be needed in case of any NSBVA

 Office-based as well as home training may be helpful
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