How Do I Know If I Have Computer Vision Syndrome? 

Today, American office workers spend an average of seven hours a day on computers and digital devices. As efficient as our modern world is becoming,  being glued to a screen for hours on end comes with a price to pay. In fact, an estimated 75-90% of computer users develop computer vision syndrome.

Read on as an Oxnard, CA optometrist talks about computer vision syndrome and ways to tell if you have it. 

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain or CVS, includes a range of eye and vision problems caused by staring at screens for long periods of time. Digital screens have their own characteristics that require more work from your eyes than when viewing text on a page. 

On digital screens, there’s a loss of contrast between shapes and backgrounds compared to viewing a page. This makes text and numbers less obvious. Monitors also tend to emit reflections and reflections. 

Your eyes have to work harder, which can lead to different types of symptoms, including: 

• Tears 
• Concentration problems 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Shoulder pain Dry eyes 
• Neck pain 
• Fatigue, pain or burning eyes 
• Headache 
• Dizziness 

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome? 

Staring at a computer screen for hours on end places high visual demands on the eyes. For someone with computer vision syndrome, the effort is beyond their visual ability to do it comfortably. These conditions make him more likely to develop CVS symptoms. 

Computer work involves viewing distances and angles that are different from those commonly used when reading or writing. In turn, this requires your eyes to focus and move in ways that strain your vision. To compensate for this, some people may tilt their heads at different angles or lean over to see the screen more clearly. These conditions can pave the way for the development of CVS symptoms. 

Who Is Most at Risk for Computer Vision Syndrome? 

Although spending many hours staring at a computer screen is the main cause, other pre-existing vision problems can still increase the risk of developing computer vision syndrome. Wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses the wrong way is one of them. And in some cases, even wearing the right prescription can cause problems when specialized lenses are needed for this kind of close-up  computer work. 

Other risk factors to consider include: 

• Position while sitting 
• Watch the digital screen continuously for two hours or more  
• Sitting too close to the screen 
• Viewing the screen at the wrong angle 
• Not taking frequent breaks 

If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please call our Oxnard, CA optometry office today.