COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME (CVS)

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer Vision Syndrome is basically a common form of "eye strain" caused by prolonged viewing of video devices such as computer monitors, hand-held video devices and video games, usually for more than three hours per day. It may be considered an occupational hazard for computer users but can be easily managed.

What are the symptoms of CVS?

• Brow ache
• Blurred vision that slowly clears with staring into the distance
• Eye fatigue/heavy sensation
• Double vision
• Headaches
• Ocular burning, stinging, excessive tearing
• Neck pain
• Requirement for multiple pairs of reading glasses of differing strengths
• Having to raise chin to look through the bottom of your bifocals
• Red eyes
• Scratchy sensation of the eyes
• Excessive screen glare

What are the causes and treatments of CVS?

• Drying of the cornea due to staring at the screen and insufficient blinking rate, i.e. burning, stinging and tearing. Treatment for an underlying dry eye condition may be helpful.
• Inability to hold close focus (presbyopia). Specialized reading glasses customized for your range of distances may be helpful.
• Inappropriate working conditions. Traditional typing position must be maintained. For people under 40 years of age, screens should be at eye height; for people over 40 years of age, screens should be at keyboard level so that the screen may be viewed comfortably through the bifocal or reading glasses.

If you suspect you might have Computer Vision Syndrome which is not improved by the treatments mentioned above, you may need to be evaluated for conditions such as cataract, chronic eyelid infections, macular degeneration or other undiagnosed eye conditions found by a Comprehensive Eye Examination as performed at Rockingham Eye Associates.

What do I need to bring to a CVS evaluation appointment?

• all of the glasses you wear while using your computer or video devices
• measurement of the distance that you prefer from your eyes to the screen
• measurement of the distance that you prefer from your eyes to your paper
• measurement of the distance that you prefer from your eyes to your keyboard
• measurement of the height of the screen above the keyboard

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