Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Vision
A woman at her desk in front of a computer

CVS comprises a group of eye discomfort and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of computer use.

The most common symptoms are Eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain.

Business woman with neck pain sitting at computer
Business woman with neck pain sitting at computer

What causes Computer Vision Syndrome? 

Poor lighting, glare on the computer screen, improper viewing distances, poor sitting posture, etc.

How is CVS treated?

Solutions:

Eye Care: 

Computer Glasses- Special lens designs, lens powers, lens tints or coatings may help to maximize visual abilities and comfort.

Lubricating eye drops- which act just like our natural tears are prescribed to take care of Dry Eye condition.

Vision therapy- These eye exercises help remediate deficiencies in eye movement, eye focusing and reinforce the eye-brain connection.

Computer Glasses
Computer Glasses

Viewing the Computer: 

  • Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
  • Reference materials should be located above the keyboard and below the monitor so that you do not need to move your head to look from the document to the screen.
  • Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage. Use anti-glare screens to decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
  • Chairs should be comfortable and adjusted to provide arm support while you are typing. Your wrists shouldn’t rest on the keyboard when typing.
  • To prevent eyestrain, rest your eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance of more than 20 feet for 20 seconds to allow your eyes a chance to refocus.
  • Make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of your eye moist.

Regular eye examinations and proper viewing habits can help to prevent these problems.

For more information and any queries please contact your Eye specialist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

Dr. Shreyas Palav (2)

Dr. Shreyas Palav

Specialist Ophthalmologist

Bahrain Specialist Hospital

Email: shreyas.palav@bsh.com.bh