What is CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome)?

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a major disorder which is found in persons working in many offices and which is increasing day-by-day.

Computer Vision Syndrome is a disorder which consists of various problems faced by persons who sit before the computer screen for a long period of time.  This disorder is growing due to the vast usage of computer in the offices.  This is a problem which is not limited to the offices, but as the net grows, the common people at the home too are getting affected by CVS, including housewives and children.  Studies have confirmed the fact that almost 80% of the people working on computers are affected by CVS.  This problem gets aggravated after the age of 40 years when the eyesight becomes weak and it is advised not to strain your eyes.

Symptoms of CVS :-

There are various symptoms which are identified as relating to Computer Vision Syndrome.  The major symptoms are –

·        Eye strain due to long hours of computer related work.

·        Headaches which are quite frequent at the time of work or after working.

·        Irritation in the eyes or getting a feeling of dry eyes.

·        Vision gets blurred and difficult to focus clearly on an object after a while.

·        There is clear difficulty in reading textual matters in front of the eyes after prolonged work.

·        After spending a lot of time on computers, it is difficult to focus on driving a vehicle due to eye fatigue.

·        Sitting in a wrong posture in front of the computer for a long period may bring about problems relating to neck and shoulder pain.

·        Other symptoms may be pain the arms and wrists due to typing on the keyboard of a computer. 

·        Nausea is often felt when overworking.

Having some or all of these symptoms clearly indicates that the person is suffering from CVS.  As such, it is absolutely necessary for the person to take preventive action before the disorder is aggravated and more complications arise.

CVS also results in various problems in relation to personal life such as frustration, increase in irritation, decrease in efficiency at work and also at times leading to diseases such as glaucoma.

Ways to Control CVS :-

There are certain precautions that have to be taken in order to prevent CVS from aggravating.  These are quite simple to follow and can be easily brought into practice daily.

·        Appointment with Ophthalmist -  The first step is to take professional help from your opthalmist.  Take a appointment with the doctor and get your eyes tested.  He can prescribe the medications that can help you ease out of CVS.

·        Change in Lighting – If you are feeling eye strain due to unhealthy light conditions, it is always suggested to change your sitting position in the office to a more comfortable arrangement where there is a natural source of light along with the artificial light.

·        Change Screen Brightness – Try changing the brightness of the computer, as more brightness may affect the eyestrain due to high density of rays.

·        Level of Monitor screen – It is always advisable that the monitor screen is just below the eye level so that eyelids are half closed as well as eye feel comfortable at this level.

·        Use Lenses – If you feel that the eyes are not able to focus on the textual matter making them blurred, try to use spectacles or lenses to correct this problem.

·        Take periodic breaks – Try to take breaks from the computer work.  This will give the much needed rest to the eyes from concentrating on the computer as well as relieve a person’s mind from the monotonous work on the PC.

·        Improve posture – This is a scientific posture that has to be applied when sitting on the computer.  Take a diagram from the local eye clinic which is readily available.  Follow this posture strictly if you are using computers for a long time.

·        Exercises – Exercise is a necessity for each and every person who sits in front of a computer screen.  These exercises will help to reduce common problems like wrist pain, neck and shoulder pain as well as eyestrain.

·        Anti-glare Screen – If the current computer monitor is creating problems for the eyes, try to switch to a anti-glare screen which is readily available in the market to reduce the rays from the screen.

·        Vitamin Supplements – These supplements work to improve eyesight and bring about strong resistance power for the eyes.

·        Increase font size – Increase the font size of the screen.  This will reduce the strain in the eyes which is caused due to viewing of small fonts.

·        Blink Eyelids – Drying of eyes, a symptom of CVS is due to the eyes getting dry as a person does not blink at the normal rate required for keeping the eyes moist when in front of a computer screen.  To increase the moistness, it is always required to blink the eyelids.

·        Other office work – Try to take breaks from the monotonous work of looking at the computer screen.  Work on some other activities which does not concern computers.  This is a welcome break for the eyes.

·        Distance of screen – Always see to it that the distance of your eyes from the monitor screen is at a comfortable distance.  It must be around 20-25 inches.