If you find that your eyes get extremely tired after you've used your computer for long periods, you may have computer vision syndrome. Chances are, if you are like many people, you are on your computer, tablet, or phone much more these days and this puts extra strain on your eyes. Eventually, this could lead to computer vision syndrome, or CVS. Here is more about this problem, steps you can take to protect your eyes, and how your optometrist can help:
What Is CVS?
When you use a computer, your eyes are constantly adjusting to the print on the screen as well as the glare from the device and the surrounding environment. This constant adjusting tires out your eye muscles and can cause vision problems when you are not on the computer. As you get older, your eyes' lenses become more rigid and this makes you even more susceptible to CVS.
What Are CVS Symptoms?
Generally, you will notice that your eyes feel strained after long periods of screen use, but you may also experience other symptoms, including the following:
- Blurry vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
- Sore neck (from adjusting your head to compensate)
Fortunately, most of these symptoms are temporary and usually go away with significant rest and time away from the computer. However, that may not always be possible if your work requires you to look at a screen all day.
What Are Some Ways to Reduce CVS?
You may benefit from adjusting your computer screen and angle as well as reducing any type of glare from lights and windows. Try adjusting the glare on your computer screen so that it is less bright and has more contrast. You can also try using "night mode" to reduce blue light that may contribute to eye strain.
Do Glasses or Special Features Help Reduce CVS?
If you currently wear glasses, ask your optometrist about glare-reduction features. If you have problems with your eye muscles, try activities to improve your eye coordination and strengthen the muscles. Whether you currently wear glasses or not, you may also benefit from special computer glasses. These glasses help reduce glare and increase clarity so that your eyes don't have to work as hard to focus.
Chances are that if you reduce the lighting and glare in your environment, as well as adjusting your computer habits, you will have less eye strain while on the computer. If you don't currently wear glasses then see an optometrist to rule out possible eye issues. If you already wear glasses, talk to your eye doctor about extra features or special glasses to help you see better when you work on the computer all day.
For more information, you can reach out to companies like Cohen's Fashion Optical.
There are a number of medical professionals who you should be seeing on a regular basis, but one that tends to be forgotten about is the optometrist. Even if you do not have trouble seeing clearly, it's a good idea to get an eye exam every year or two, just to ensure nothing is amiss. After all, optometrists do more than prescribe glasses. They can also diagnose conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, which are easier to manage when detected early.
If you would like to learn a little more about what happens when you see the optometrist and why this is so important, read the articles on this website. They're all dedicated to optometry and eye health.