Computer vision syndrome (CVS), or often also referred to as visual fatigue and digital eye strain, is a term for a collection of symptoms related to eye disorders due to the use of computer-based electronic devices, such as laptops, desktops, cellphones, and tablets.
Symptoms that usually accompany CVS are fatigue or aching in the eyes, blurred or double vision, and red, dry, or hot eyes. Even in some cases, headaches, necks, shoulders and back can be accompanied.
The longer the duration of computer use, the longer the symptoms will last, even continuing after computer use is complete.
How Does Computer Use Cause CVS?
Computer vision syndrome can arise due to several reasons, namely:
- When looking at the screen, the eyes keep moving from one point to another and focus for a long time. This activity requires hard work of the eye muscles.
- The letters on a computer screen are generally not as sharp as in the print media, so unconsciously it will force our eyes to focus more on reading it.
- Flickering and glare coming from the screen adds to the workload on the eyes.
- The frequency of eyes to blink tends to decrease when staring at the screen. This causes the eyes to become drier.
Ways to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome
About 50-90% of individuals who work using computers are reported to experience CVS symptoms. However, you do not worry. There are several ways you can do to prevent this condition, namely:
1. Adjust the ambient light
Make sure the light in your environment is not too bright or too dark, by:
- Avoid sitting facing or backing to the window directly, because it will interfere with vision to the screen.
- Closing the window curtains, if the sun feels too glare.
- Adjust the screen position, to reduce light reflection from windows or lights.
- Adjust the position of the light table lamp, so it does not lead directly to the eye.
2. Arrange your work desk
Adjust the location of the computer screen, so that your gaze is directed toward the center of the screen with a distance of 50-70 cm from your face. If you work using a computer and books, use the book stand to place the book so it is parallel to the screen. The aim is to reduce the movement of looking down and looking up repeatedly.
3. Change the settings on your computer screen
Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size according to your convenience. If necessary, use a screen filter to reduce the flash of light from the screen.
4. Limit the time to use the computer
We recommend that you limit the time for using gadgets, including computers. During computer use:
- Blink your eyes often to moisturize your eyes during work.
- Perform tips 20-20-20, which is to look away from the screen every 20 minutes to stare at distant objects (about 20 feet or 6 meters) for 20 seconds. Twenty seconds is the time needed for the eye muscles to finally relax.
5. Use artificial tear drops
If necessary, you can shed artificial tears to help moisturize the eyes. Artificial tear drops can be purchased without a doctor's prescription, but make sure they do not contain the active ingredients of drugs or preservatives, so they do not cause side effects on the eyes.
6. Overcome other eye conditions that are owned
Use glasses with the appropriate lens if you suffer from nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), cylindrical eyes (astigmatism), or old eyes (presbyopia) to help the eye work.
The symptoms of computer vision syndrome are indeed harmless and are generally temporary. However, this condition can cause discomfort and obstacles in doing daily work. It's best to consult with an eye specialist if your symptoms continue or even get worse, even if you are not using a computer-based device.
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