Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS is a name given to eye problems that are caused by prolonged computer use. When people use computers, tablets or mobile phones their eyes are required to converge closely and keep focus for long periods of time. Eye problems are becoming more and more common due to the increase in digital usage in our world.

Jacquie Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, discusses the symptoms of CVS and how to manage problems occurring from digital eye strain as well as how to reduce their effects.

There are signs and symptoms to look out for to know if it’s CVS or not. The symptoms of CVS or digital eye strain include; tired eyes, dry eyes, headaches, glare sensitivity, blurred vision, double vision, eye twitching or excessive tiredness towards the end of the day. If a person suffers from any of these symptoms, it is possible that they could potentially have Computer Vision Syndrome.

“CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome has become one of the most common workplace complaints but it is not exclusive to adults,” says Jacquie. There are millions of children and teens who spend hours in front of a computer everyday. This puts stress on their eyes and can affect normal vision development. If these problems are not corrected in younger people, it has been shown to cause shortsightedness or myopia.

There are ways to treat or control Computer Vision Syndrome. Firstly, a Smart Vision Optometry comprehensive vision skills assessment needs to be performed so that a personal wellness treatment program can be designed for them. Depending on the results of their examination, their Smart Vision Optometrist may prescribe them specific computer glasses customised for where their visual system is at and which will help their eyes focus on the screen more comfortably. “Studies have shown that having the correct computer glasses increases productivity and accuracy,” says Jacquie. It is also recommended to have an anti-reflective coating on their computer glasses as it reduces reflections on the front and the back of their glasses, which causes glare and can make it difficult for their eyes to focus.

Besides wearing the correct computer glasses, there are a few more recommendations they can adopt to reduce the effects of CVS. Follow the ’20-20-20 rule’ which states that every 20 minutes they should spend 20 seconds looking at something that is 20 feet (6 metres) away. It is also important to keep blinking as this helps to wash their eyes with tears naturally. The physical position of their computer as well as their own physical position is also important. The computer or laptop should be at least 40-50 centimetres away from the eyes, this is about an arms length away. The person should adjust their screen so that they look slightly downwards at it. It is also important to adjust the brightness levels to a level that is comfortable. The lighting in the surroundings should be correct, direct lighting overhead should be kept to a minimum. Make sure the desk lamp is shining on the desk and not onto the screen. Try and keep the window light off to the side instead of in front or behind as this will help reduce the reflective glare on the screen. It is also important to make sure that posture is correct while sitting by your computer. It is said that for every two centimetres forward a person leans, there are 14 kilograms weighing on their neck!

Finally and perhaps the most important step is for the person to book a session with a Smart Vision Optometrist to have a comprehensive vision skills assessment as this will enable a unique vision wellness treatment to be planned for them.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in multiple suburbs in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

“Eye strain from staring at screens is incredibly common,” says Australian behavioural optometrist Jacqueline Gattegno. “It’s believed that most people these days have some degree of digital eye strain, but it will come as a relief to know that there’s no proven link between eye strain and the progression of myopia.”

“At the same time, there’s also no real proof that computers can’t contribute to longer-term vision problems. The jury is out. However, if you’re already experiencing vision issues and do visually intensive work, eye strain is an inevitable result, and if you have perfect vision and make your eyes work too hard, you’re also at risk of experiencing eye strain.”

Symptoms of Eye Strain

Most people will identify with the feeling of having “tired eyes.” They may be dry, and they can be sore and uncomfortable. The dryness of strained eyes can cause a burning sensation, and one may experience sensitivity to bright lights, trouble with focusing and refocusing the eyes, headaches, or even double vision. 

“It’s easy to say that digital eye strain among students and professionals isn’t serious,” says Jaqueline, “but symptoms this uncomfortable must be taken seriously because they have such a big impact on quality of life and the ability to fulfil one’s overall potential. Nobody is going to be at their best when they’re battling with discomfort.”

How to Prevent and Treat Eye Strain

“Your optometrist can help,” says Jacqueline. “Even if your glasses are fine for all the other things you do, they might not be suited for seeing at screen-distance. Computer glasses can also be tinted to reduce the effects of blue light. If your eyes are dry, an optometrist can determine whether it’s just a matter of not blinking enough or whether your tear glands aren’t working quite as they should. If the glands are blocked, there are non-invasive treatments, and if it’s just dryness from not blinking enough, there are drops that can help with dry eyes.”

“Since the overtired muscles that focus your eyes have a big role to play in eye strain, giving them some stretching exercises can work wonders. Behavioural optometrists are able to teach you eye exercises that will help to relax and strengthen the muscles in your eyes.”

Taking frequent breaks requires almost as much discipline as working or studying for hours, but despite sounding counter-productive, it’s quite the opposite. “Give your eyes and your brain a break every twenty minutes or so,” says Jacqueline. “Chances are, you’ll get even more done. Just twenty seconds looking at a distant object every twenty minutes can make a huge difference.”

You should also blink consciously. “When people work in front of screens, their eyes are fixed on the task, and they blink less often than they should. That dries out the eyes and accounts for the burning, gritty sensation that people with eye strain experience.”

According to Jacqueline, a person’s computer, their posture, and the layout of their work area may also contribute to their eye strain. 

“Always work with your screen at arms’ length from your face and positioned so that you look slightly downwards at it when seated in an upright posture. Making text larger may help, as can increasing the refresh rate of your screen to reduce flickering. You can also reduce glare by using a matte filter for your screen. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that your screen is not brighter than the light in the room. If dry air is contributing to the problem, a humidifier may be of help. Finally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. It rests the eyes and re-energises the mind.”

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney – Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!

For more information on eye strain and how it can be treated and prevented, or to make an appointment for a regular eye check, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

The Eyes Response to Digital Strain

Rodney and Gattegno say many of the veteran remote workers and some of the newcomers have probably already experienced the aftereffects of digital eye strain at the end of the day in the form of tiredness, blurred or double vision, dry eyes, or an inability to focus clearly on objects which are further away. Other possible symptoms include burning or itching eyes, increased light sensitivity, watery eyes, and headaches. All of these might seem to ease off after a period of rest, but there is no guarantee that permanent and more serious and lasting damage is not being done, Rodney said.

He says the workers who joined the trend years ago who have felt these results may have taken the correct steps to protect their eyes by establishing work routines that include regular breaks from the computer and spending some of them outdoors, where they can switch their focus to objects that are further away, and also enjoy the effects of natural light as opposed to the blue light generated by screens, mobile phones and tablets.

But he fears that those who make up the new “work from home, or don’t work at all” work culture created by the lockdowns may not see the switch to working from home as anything more than a lifesaver, and may only realise too late that they could be paying a big price for it.

HEAR: Gary Rodney Interviewed By David Wood Ultra106five.com

“Most of them started working from home without structure or direction, and did so while burdened with fears regarding the health threat, their ability to pay debts, and concern about how to put food on the table,” Rodney said. “Eye safety measures such as switching focus distances and spending time outdoors, were probably far from their minds.”

Trapped at the Screen

According to Rodney, a fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), scientists have stressed the importance of these measures when linking both extended screen time and the indoor lifestyle it creates, with the development and progression of serious eye impairments. This is particularly relevant when it comes to myopia, an eye impairment which affects the focus of millions of people around the world and has reached epidemic proportions in terms of a sharp spike in its increasing prevalence, and increased speed in its progression.

Also known as nearsightedness, this refractive eye condition causes people to see objects clearly only if they are close by, and to see nothing but blurs when trying to focus on anything at a distance. Rodney says the myopic focus problem would be worsened by the constant reinforcement of focus that’s restricted to one point for extended periods, as it is in most remote work.  

He said that this has been accentuated in the new lockdown breed of remote workers, who were forced to stay inside in accordance with lockdown regulations, and spent their days facing an abnormal load of online work. This could include taking part in online conferences, negotiating with clients, dealing with data collection and administrative duties, emailing, placing orders and arranging deliveries, all of which require a single (short) concentrated focal distance when done online, and which also led to constant exposure to the blue light emitted by the screen.

To learn more about the dangers of digital eye strain, and the risks of myopia, visit Rodney’s Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney or the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision.

Click here to book an appointment online or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047, or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.  

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.