Computer Vision Treatment

Working on a computer, tablet, or mobile device for hours at a time is a normal part of our lives in the 21st century. Unfortunately, eye problems associated with this activity are also on the rise for both adults and children. Even if you have never had eye problems before, you may have noticed computer vision syndrome symptoms after two or more hours of screen time.

Signs include:

• Blurry vision

• Eye strain and discomfort

• Headaches

• Dry, scratchy eyes

• Neck or shoulder pain

Even if your symptoms are mild, they can worsen and cause other vision problems if not addressed. Our optometrist can help.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome

The severity and length of computer vision syndrome symptoms depend on how long you work at the computer, your posture, lighting, glare, the angle of the monitor, and whether or not you have other diagnosed or undiagnosed vision problems. If you already have astigmatism, farsightedness, presbyopia, aging eyes, or diabetic eye problems, your computer vision symptoms may worsen. This can even be the case if you already have prescription contacts or glasses. Many regular eyeglasses and contact lenses are not designed to deflect the problems caused by computer screens.

Our doctors will take your symptoms, pre-existing conditions, and potential undiagnosed conditions into account and perform the following eye tests:

• Visual acuity-Measures the quality of your current vision.

• Refraction-Tests the potential lens prescriptions that would optimize your vision.

• Focus and Eye Coordination-Tests how well your eyes work together and how quickly and accurately your eyes can focus on objects and varying distances.

We can design a treatment plan from these measurements to help relieve your symptoms. For people with otherwise normal eyes and vision, a set of specially-designed glasses used when you work on the computer can be very helpful. For patients already wearing contacts or glasses, new, more computer-friendly prescriptions are available. In addition to these treatment options, there are many things we can suggest to cut down on computer eye strain problems:

• Adjust your monitor so that the top edge is lower than your eye level when seated between 20-28 inches from the screen. Reference materials can be placed on a document holder between the monitor and keyboard, or to the side, but positioned for as little head movement as possible. Be sure to sit and work with proper posture.

• If you can, reposition any lighting (or your computer) to minimize glare and use natural lighting whenever possible.

• Every 20 minutes during your work, look away toward a distant point for 20 seconds to refocus your eyes and give them a 15-minute break after each 2-hour computer session. Also, remember to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.

• You can also use specially designed artificial tears to help keep your eyes well-lubricated and your vision clear.

With proper optometry care and self-care, you can minimize computer eye syndrome and other modern-day vision problems.