{"id":20721,"date":"2023-07-25T13:53:13","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T18:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20721"},"modified":"2024-05-22T10:06:02","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T15:06:02","slug":"what-is-computer-vision-syndrome-symptoms-and-relief-strategies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/what-is-computer-vision-syndrome-symptoms-and-relief-strategies\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Computer Vision Syndrome? Symptoms and Relief Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"

The average person spends about <\/span>six hours and 58 minutes connected to the internet<\/span><\/a> each day, and the numbers have been increasing yearly. The internet presents amazing opportunities to learn and soak up new information; however, spending so much time staring at a screen can hurt your eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Computer vision syndrome<\/span><\/a> (CVS) is when the eyes experience digital strain and discomfort after prolonged screen time. CVS doesn\u2019t cause permanent damage to the eye, but it can cause headaches, eye irritation, blurred vision and other uncomfortable side effects. Luckily, CVS is easy to diagnose and treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes computer vision syndrome?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Computer vision syndrome is a common eye condition that can cause minor or major eye discomfort. It typically occurs after spending long hours staring at a computer screen. Here are the most common causes of CVS.<\/span><\/p>\n

Excessive screen time<\/span><\/p>\n

Excessive screen time is the most common trigger for CVS. While staring at a screen, your eyes follow the same back-and-forth patterns. The constant repetition of the same movement, the closeness of the computer screen and the glare from the setup all cause unnecessary strain.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, computers emit <\/span>blue light<\/span><\/a>, which mimics the light from the sun. So, if you\u2019re using a computer or phone late at night, you could <\/span>trick your brain into slowing melatonin production<\/span><\/a>. This can disrupt your sleeping patterns, adding to the symptoms of CVS.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improper use of glasses or contacts<\/span><\/p>\n

According to The Vision Council, which provides 90% of the prescription lenses in the U.S., <\/span>63.7% of Americans wear prescription glasses<\/span><\/a> to correct poor vision. Glasses and contact lenses are incredibly helpful and can even prevent eye strain for near or far-sighted individuals. However, wearing glasses or contacts improperly can <\/span>do more damage than good<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you wear dirty or old contacts, you increase your risk of eye infection, scratching of the eye\u2019s corneas and fungal infections. If left untreated, this can lead to serious eye problems such as vision damage or blindness. You shouldn\u2019t experience redness, pain or blurred vision while wearing your contacts or glasses. If you experience discomfort, make an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, glasses that aren\u2019t fit for your prescription can increase the strain on your eye. You should visit your eye doctor regularly to ensure that your glasses are the correct prescription strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncorrected vision problems<\/span><\/p>\n

Some untreated vision problems can increase your chances of experiencing computer vision syndrome. For example, far-sightedness is a condition where people have trouble seeing objects closer to them. Far-sighted individuals may have difficulty viewing the material when reading or using a computer. This can cause them to squint and strain their eyes. After squinting and straining for hours at a time, far-sighted individuals are <\/span>more likely to experience symptoms of CVS<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

To prevent this, far-sighted individuals should visit their eye doctor to get the correct glasses prescription. With a proper fit, the prescription will limit the need to strain the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of computer vision syndrome?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common <\/span>symptoms of computer vision syndrome<\/span><\/a> include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n