Computer Vision Syndrome

Prolonged computer or digital device use can have a detrimental effect on your health and eyes. You may have a condition called computer vision syndrome if you experience eye strain, blurry vision, frequent headaches, neck pain, or difficulty focusing on your computer screen. Benefield Eye Care in Gulfport, MS, offers practical solutions to computer vision syndrome to prevent problems with your eye and vision health. Continue reading to learn more about computer vision syndrome and how you can manage its symptoms.

Computer Vision Syndrome Symptoms

Computer vision syndrome can lead to the following symptoms:

•           eye strain or eye fatigue

•           blurry or double-vision

•           dry or itchy eyes

•           watery eyes

•           physical fatigue

•           frequent headaches or migraines

•           neck and shoulder pain

Computer vision syndrome symptoms are temporary and will typically subside at the end of the day after you step away from your digital device. These symptoms can hinder your productivity while working, though. Blurry vision, frequent headaches, or dry and itchy eyes can significantly impact your ability to concentrate.

Computer vision syndrome can also worsen eye conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. An eye exam by your eye doctor can determine if your vision problems are due to excessive computer use.

Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment

Your optometrist, ophthalmologist, or nurse practitioner may recommend computer glasses to minimize symptoms when using your digital device. Upgrading your prescription glasses or contacts can also help reduce eye strain and fatigue. You should make changes to your computer usage to reduce or eliminate symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Some changes you can make include:

•           Adjust your monitor so that it is lower than eye level. Adjusting your monitor makes reading text on your screen easier and prevents eye and neck straining. 

•           Keep your computer screen at least 16–30 inches from your eyes.

•           Maintain good posture when you work on your computer or digital device.

•           Adjust your lights to reduce glare that can irritate your eyes. You should use natural light whenever possible.

•           Take frequent breaks from your computer to walk around, stretch your neck and back, and rest your eyes.

•           Blinking more often can help prevent dry eyes.

•           Look away from your screen every 20 minutes or so at a distant object for at least 20 seconds to refocus your line of sight.

These tips can help reduce computer vision syndrome symptoms, protect your eye and vision health, and increase productivity.

See Your Gulfport, MS, Optometrist. Ophthalmologist, or Nurse Practitioner for Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment

Trying to concentrate at work while dealing with computer vision syndrome can be challenging, so contact Benefield Eye Care in Gulfport, MS, to get the eye care you need to see vividly again. Call us and schedule an appointment at (228) 328-0972 to learn more about computer vision syndrome and how our eye doctor can help you.