Are your eyes working overtime due to long hours in front of the computer screen? Whether you’re working on the computer all day for work or spending time catching up on your favorite blogs at night, just a few hours each day on the computer can increase the risk for developing “Computer Vision Syndrome” (CVS). If you suffer from headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision or excessive squinting and blinking, you may have CVS.
3 Things You Need to Know About Computer Vision Syndrome
Below, our optometrists in Maple Ridge share three things everyone should know about computer vision syndrome, including our eye doctor’s top tips for reducing your risk.
#1: Viewing a computer screen causes your eyes to work harder, which can lead to vision-related problems.
Computer Vision Syndrome describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use, according to the American Optometric Association. Viewing a computer screen forces the eyes to work harder, which can lead to uncorrected vision problems. Viewing a computer screen is more difficult than viewing a printed page. The letters may not be as crisply defined and the level of contrast between the letters and the background, combined with glares and reflections, can make it more difficult to read the screen. This difficulty can worsen minor vision problems.
#2: Poor lighting, glare, and seat posture can make computer vision syndrome worse.
The glare on a computer screen, combined with improper viewing distances and poor seat posture, increase the risk for developing CVS. Uncorrected vision problems, including hyperopia or myopia, will make CVS even worse.
#3: Reduce your risk for CVS with the 20-20-20 rule.
Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and allow your eyes to focus on something at least 20 feet away. Minimize reflected glare on the computer screen by using a protective anti-glare screen cover or dimmer switches on the lights. Schedule an eye exam with our optometrists in Maple Ridge to check your vision.
Do you find yourself squinting or struggling to read your computer screen?