Computer Vision Syndrome Putting The Spotlight On Eye Protection For White-Collar Workers
Eyestrain happens when your retinas get tired from intense use, such as driving a car for extended periods , reading or working at a computer. In recent years, studies have shown a significant increase in eye strain directly related to increased computer usage . Our economy’s increased reliance on computers for everyday functions, especially necessary work functions, has produced a new and growing group of people suffering from eye strain. Computer eye strain troubles a wide variety of people of all ages, but is dirrectly correlated with the amount of time a person spends in front of a computer monitor .
Although mild eyestrain can be little more than annoying, it usually isn’t serious and goes away once you allow your eyes to rest and recover from the strenuous activity . In some cases, signs and symptoms of eyestrain can indicate an underlying eye issue that requires treatment. Although you may not be able to change the requirements of your work or the other factors that can trigger eyestrain, you can take steps to prevent or reduce eyestrain. Computer related eye strain is especially treatable through the use of computer reading glasses that are designed to lessen the strain caused by long periods spent using computers .
Eyestrain signs and symptoms include:
- Sore, tired , burning or itching eyes
- Watery eyes
- Dry eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Sore neck
- Sore back
- Shoulder pain
- Increased sensitivity to light
Computer use can cause additional eyestrain symptoms, including:
- Having trouble shifting your focus between monitor and paper documents
- Seeing color fringes or afterimages when you look away from the monitor
When to see a doctor
If home treatments don’t work to relieve your eyestrain symptoms, see your eye doctor . See your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms that include:
- Eye discomfort
- A noticeable change in your vision all the time
- Double vision
- Headache
Common causes of eyestrain include:
- Extended use of a computer or video monitor
- Reading for extended periods
- Other activities involving extended periods of intense concentration and focus , such as using a microscope or driving at night for long periods
- Exposure to bright light or glare
- Straining to see in very dim light
Using a computer for long periods is one of the most prevalent causes of eyestrain. This kind of eyestrain is called computer vision syndrome. In some cases, an underlying eye problem such as eye muscle imbalance or uncorrected vision can cause or worsen computer eyestrain. However, computer vision syndrome can be prevented by the use of computer reading glasses designed to mitigate the strains of repetitive or continuous computer use.
