COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME: THE BASICS

Computer Vision Syndrome entered the medical lexicon over two decades ago, and has given researchers headaches ever since. A non-specific syndrome, CVS symptoms are broadly defined, and range from tired eyes to contact discomfort. Finding a root cause has doubtless driven a few Phds to drink. On the other hand, CVS has made an awful lot of optometrists richer – Computer Vision Syndrome diagnosis and treatment is estimated to cost as much as 2 billion dollars per year in the US alone. To give you an idea of how expansive this term is, some of the symptoms commonly associated with CVS are:

• Eye Strain

• Tired Eyes

• Dry Eyes

• Watery Eyes

• Contact Lens Problems • Blurred Vision

• Slowed Focus Change • Double Vision

• Presbyopia (diminished ability to focus on close objects)

• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Several specific causes lie behind these problems, but all of them are positively linked to one thing: computer use. Like many other similar, broadspectrum syndromes (e.g. RSIS), Computer Vision Syndrome isn’t perfectly pinned down. It’s well documented, and extensively researched, but experts still differ on key details. And there you have your absolute basics. Now for the more important information: specific symptoms of CVS, and how to minimize them in your own workspace. Tips for Beating Computer Vision Syndrome 1. Ensure Proper Office Lighting

Lighting is an unsung, but vitally important piece of the ergonomic pie. Office lighting is all too often neglected, and many workplaces have yet to catch up to the modern reality of a computer-dominated office. Installing powerful, overhead fluorescent lights is the most common approach – but it has a few serious flaws. While these super-bright systems are great for a paper-based operation, they’re not necessary for workers using a backlit LCD monitor. Even worse, they create excess glare. Not only does glare contribute to headaches and visual discomfort, it also encourages workers to assume uncomfortable positions. Hunching or leaning can help reduce glare, but staying in any unnatural position for too long dramatically increases the risks of winding up with a musculoskeletal injury.

A complete overhaul of a lighting system is the best option, but also (go figure) the most expensive. Some companies have taken to using uplighting systems, which use lights directed toward a lightcolored, matte ceiling, which disperses light evenly throughout an office. The resulting “cloudy day effect” provides even, shadowless, and glare-free light to a room.

Cheaper, common-sense solutions also abound. Closing the blinds or turning off a few overhead lights can work wonders. There’s still debate over how useful anti-glare filters really are, but some folks swear by them and some studies back them up.

2. Take a Break

This is always, always good advice. It’s widely known that taking a few breaks throughout the workday makes us happier, healthier, and more efficient. And of course, if you can get out and take a quick walk, so much the better. Turns out that getting a quick rest from your monitor does your eyes a world of good as well.

Asthenopia. Say that 10 times fast.

Now that you can pronounce it, we’ll go ahead and tell you that you’re probably experiencing it right now. Asthenopia is a major component of CVS, and occurs when the eye spends too long continuously focusing on a visually intensive task – like reading or working at a computer. Keeping that close focus for too long causes the ciliary muscles in the eyes to tighten, resulting in the set of uncomfortable symptoms commonly referred to as eye strain. Taking a break and focusing on a distant object helps relax those muscles, keeping your eyes fresh for longer. One handy mnemonic is the 20/20/20 rule; after every twenty minutes of work, take twenty seconds to focus on an object at least twenty feet away. Treadmill deskers should find this especially easy to work into their schedules.