Computer Vision Syndrome- The Impact of the COVID-19 on Your Eyes

The usage of digital devices has increased all around the globe since the lockdown due to COVID-19. This has put your eye health in a challenging situation.

Now, as the pandemic is a part of your life, you usually work in front of a computer. Apart from that, you also watch Netflix in your leisure time and use Zoom to socialize. If you are like most people, who use screens for more than 10 hours per day, there is no doubt that you are overstraining your eyes.

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Many people have reported experiencing vision problems and eye discomfort while viewing digital screens for extended periods. This condition is referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. The more time you spend in front of these devices, the more will be your discomfort level.

Causes

The first thing you need to know about the causes of computer vision syndrome is that reading a printed page is different than viewing a computer or digital screen. That’s because the letters on the computer or another digital device are not as sharply defined or precise. Additionally, the presence of reflections and glare on the screen can also make viewing much more difficult.

Symptoms

The following common symptoms usually characterize computer vision syndrome:

• Blurred vision
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Dry eyes
• Shoulder and neck pain

These symptoms are commonly caused by poor seating posture, the glare of the digital screen, poor lighting, uncorrected vision problems, improper viewing angles, improper viewing distances, or a mixture of any of these factors.

How to Decrease Digital Eye Strain During the Pandemic Among Professionals?

Eye strain, or asthenopia, is an eye condition that causes blurred vision, pain in or around the eyes, fatigue, headache, and even double vision, especially in middle-aged people. The American Optometric Association states that even two hours of continued digital device usage a day is sufficient to cause multiple vision and eye problems to develop.

Here are some ways to reduce digital eye strain during the pandemic.

• Adjust your surroundings by positioning your monitor at an arm's length. Also, make sure it is placed 10-15 degrees below your eye level.
• Adjust your computer's display settings so that the font size, brightness and contrast levels, etc., are comfortable for your eyes.
• Try to reduce your screen time when possible and blink often.
• Use protective eyewear or specially created glasses for computer and eye drops, if needed.

Eye Strain Treatment

The treatment of digital screen-related vision problems generally consists of making changes in how the screen is viewed and obtaining regular eye care.

Also, note that contact lenses or eyeglasses prescribed for general use may not be suitable for computer work. For computer work, you may need lenses prescribed specifically for computer viewing.

Additionally, some persons who use computers might face major issues with eye focusing or eye coordination that cannot be properly corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. In such situations, vision therapy may be required to treat these specific issues.

You also need to make sure you are positioned properly while using a computer. This includes chair comfort, seating position, lighting conditions, antiglare screens, placement of reference materials, how the monitor is positioned, and taking proper breaks while you work. You can also try opting for a larger size of text and images on your screen to reduce eye strain.

Eye Care Tips

Preventing the vision problems that come with computer vision syndrome mainly involves taking measures to control glare and lighting coming from the device screen, establishing proper posture, and correct working distances from the screen.

Here are some suggestions for computer vision syndrome sufferers that can help alleviate their symptoms and prevent them.

• Even if you don’t need glasses for reading, driving, etc., it might be helpful to wear your glasses while using the computer.
• Get a thorough eye exam every year if you are a frequent computer user.
• Minimize discomfort from glare and blue light from all the screens you use because it can negatively affect your vision over the long term.
• Adjust your work area and computer in a way that is comfortable for you. Make sure the top of the computer screen should be slightly below your horizontal eye level. For example, place reference material, for example, a copyholder, at the same distance from your eyes as the computer screen. Also, make sure it is close to the screen.
• Take breaks throughout the day if you are working long hours on a computer.

It is estimated that even by the end of 2021, 25-30% of the workforce will be working from home several times a week. Therefore, despite the pandemic subsiding in the foreseeable future, the work from home trend might not fully subside. Simultaneously, the cases of computer vision syndrome will continue unless we take proper precautions.

If you are facing computer vision syndrome symptoms and are looking for professional eye care specialists for your computer vision syndrome, call us or book an appointment with us today.