We are all guilty of being on our computers, tablets, and smartphones more than ever before. The eye pain and fatigue it causes are now making headlines along with the headaches.
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Every year, there are more than 10 million visits to eye doctors for CVS-related problems.
Whether you’re casually browsing the internet or pounding the keyboard at work, your chance of developing CVS increases 90% after just just two hours of computer use. When you consider that the vast majority of adults spend more than 7 hours looking at a computer screen daily, it’s no wonder that CVS effects 70% of Americans.
Incidence rates of frequently reported CVS symptoms
+ Eyestrain – reported in 64.95% of cases
+ Eye Fatigue – reported in 64.95% of cases
+ Headaches – reported in 45.83% of cases
+ Neck & Shoulder Pain – reported in 44% of cases
+ Irritation of the Eyes – reported in 37.5% of cases
+ Blurry Vision – reported in 30.48% of cases
Quick tips for CVS prevention and relief
The 20/20/20 rule.
As we mentioned in an earlier post, every 20 minutes, look up from your computer for 20 seconds and focus on something that is 20 feet away.Daily screen time.
Limit the amount of time spent in front of the TV, computer and other devices.De-glare.
Keep monitors clean so there is not added eye strain.Take a break.
Every hour, take a 5-10 minute break to get up and look around.Face forward.
With your feet flat on the floor, the screen should be 20-24 inches from your face at a slight downward angle.Wear your eyewear.
One of the main cause of CVS is uncorrected vision problems, so if you have you glasses or contacts… wear them.
As with most afflictions, awareness is the best prevention. So now that you’ve read this post from top to bottom and recognize the symptoms of CVS, go ahead and take a break from your computer screen and give your strained eyes a breather. Doctor’s orders.
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