Computer Vision Syndrome

Digital Eye Strain Solutions

It’s 2018.  The use of computers and digital devices is now the norm.  We can’t escape it no matter what. From the moment we wake up to check our e-mails to Facebook during lunch to YouTube before bed.  Heck, it is our alarm clocks now!  We are digitally dependent.  So it is no wonder 60% of Americans have eyestrains related to digital use.  No, I am not going to tell you to stop using these devices because it’s not happening.  What I am offering are solutions to help alleviate your eyestrain so you can work efficiently!

But first…let’s review some Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms.

Eye Strain

It takes work for the eyes to focus on something up close.   As we are focusing, the eye muscles “squeeze” to  change our lens’ focal point from far to near.  Another set of muscles are engaged to turn our eyes inwards to align with the near device.  The closer the device is, the more work it requires from the eyes.  After long period of constant focusing, the eye muscles gets “sore” thus causing eye strain.  

The screen lights and glares also contribute to eye strain.  I mean, imagine sitting in your car at a red light at night and the opposite car has their bright LEDS headlights shooting at you! It hurts! That’s the same scenario with your computer screen.  Yes, it’s not as intense.  But it’s 6 hours of it constantly! 

Headaches

Headaches can be caused by various sources, which is why it is considered multi-factorial condition (multiple factors).  The sore eye muscles, the LED lights from the devices, poor body posture, and dehydration are some of the common causes of headaches associated with constant use of computers and digital devices.  

Dry Eyes (Watery Eyes)

Working on a computer is like watching an intense movie scene.  You are just staring at it and not blinking as if you are afraid of missing an important part of a movie scene.  This causes our tears to evaporate because of less blinking.  Blinking allows us to produce tears and spreads it across our eyes to moisten it.  Furthermore, depending on the height of the screen, it can also increase the rate of evaporation.  If the screen is too high, the eyes’ surface area increases and have a more evaporating rate You may ask “Well, my eyes are watery, so they can’t be dry Dr. The One Who Went to Eye School!”. They’re watery because those are emergency tears to respond to the dry eyes, it’s a survival mechanism that we have.

Blurry Vision

This is a simple one. The eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes all contribute and lead to blurry vision.  Another important factor is a unique eyeglass prescription that is dedicated to your working environment.

Solution

1. Prescription Eyeglasses that is dedicated and measured accurately to your long days on the computer.  It can be simple single vision or elaborate to have various focal points.
2. Blue Light and Anti-Glare treatments on the work-specific eyeglasses.  Seeing clearly with prescription is great, but the treatments allows you to see comfortably!
3. Lubricant Eye Drops should be in plain sight next to your water bottle on your desk.  This ensure to stay hydrated as well as eye shiny and lubricated!
4. GET UP! Get up and walk around to allow the blood to flow through your body. It is both energizing and relieving both your body and your eyes. Get up and gossip or something!

Hope this provides some insight if you are experiencing eye strains.  If you would like to explore a more customized treatment for your eyes when working on the computer, please contact us and schedule an eye appointment! You can also make an eye appointment online!