Do You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?

The average American who works at a desk job spends approximately seven hours per day in front of a computer, according to the American Optometric Association. That’s almost one-third of the day! With this statistic, it’s no wonder that so many Americans are experiencing symptoms of computer vision syndrome, like blurred vision and headaches.

blurred vision

Also known as digital eye strain, computer vision syndrome refers to visual health problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices like computers, smart phones, e-readers and other gadgets. While computer vision syndrome can affect anyone who spends significant time working on a computer, the effects are more severe among patients with pre-existing visual health problems, like binocular vision dysfunction. In today’s post, we explain what computer vision syndrome is and provide tips for managing the condition.

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Do your eyes ever feel dry and bleary after a long day of computer work? Do your shoulders and neck ache after a lengthy texting session on your smart phone? Do you experience headaches if you spend too much time on your digital devices? If any of these apply to you, you may be suffering from computer vision syndrome, a term used to describe a group of symptoms that result from too much time spent in front of digital devices.

What Causes This Condition?

Reading words on an electronic screen is different in several key ways than reading a physical book or piece of paper. First of all, the typeface on a digital device is generally not as precise as it is in printed publications, which puts extra strain on your eyes (even though you may not consciously realize you are straining). Secondly, these devices emit bright light that can be difficult for your eyes to handle, leading to exhaustion and headaches.

In addition to affecting your visual health, spending too much time on your gadgets can also cause muscle pain in your neck and shoulders. If you wear glasses, you may find that you need to tilt your device in an unusual way to get a good view of the screen, which can put strain on your muscles.

The leading causes of computer eye strain include:

Inadequate lighting
Glare from your digital screen
Bad posture
Inappropriate viewing distances
Other untreated vision problems

What Are the Symptoms?

Computer vision syndrome can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

Dry eyes
Strained eyes
Headaches
Blurred vision
Pain in your neck and shoulders

How We Can Help

At Neuro Visual Center of New York, we recommend using the 20-20-20 approach when working on your digital devices for prolonged periods of time: after 20 minutes of looking at the screen, rest your eyes on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If symptoms persist, come to our office for an eye exam so we can assess your visual health and provide effective eye strain treatment. Call us today at (516) 224-4888 to schedule your appointment.

Testimonials

Prior to being treated by Dr. Cheryl, I constantly felt off balance. I had suffered from frequent migraines since I was 12 years old. I often suffered from neck/ back pain, and always felt like I was straining my neck and/or tilting my head to focus on the computer. My family had always noticed that I walked a bit sideways as well, but they attributed that to me being "clumsy". I had awful anxiety about walking down flights of stairs or through the mall, as I always had this irrational fear of falling. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and depression, as I would tend to avoid social situations where I felt uncomfortable or not in control. At my annual eye exam, Dr. Cheryl asked how my migraines had been. I casually mentioned that I was having dizzy spells and felt off balance. As Dr. Cheryl went through a series of questions, it seemed like she was reading off a script of my symptoms. She started to explain binocular vision dysfunction and asked if I would consider a neuro visual test that may be able to determine if I was a candidate for the type of treatment she was involved in. I was skeptical, but desperate. The tests administered by Dr. Cheryl produced black and white, concrete results. I was blown away by how clear it was that this "visual vertigo" I was experiencing was not only completely legitimate, but treatable. My skepticism disappeared immediately when Dr. Cheryl had me wear a trial pair of glasses with prisms in them. I felt taller, grounded, and completely in control. My glasses have made a tremendous difference in my everyday life. I feel balanced and aware of my surroundings. I no longer catch myself tilting my head while reading through pages of documents on my computer, or tilting my head to get a better view of the TV. It is more than a change in my prescription or a "clearer view," it is an entire perspective change. I have not had a single migraine in 6 months - I am still in shock when I say those words. My dizzy spells have subsided, as well. When I am not wearing my glasses, which is rare, I can immediately feel the difference in my equilibrium. I would never have guessed that all of these symptoms and subsequent issues, were vision related. Dr. Cheryl was 100% supportive and genuinely concerned about my comfort and progress throughout this whole journey. I would, without hesitation, recommend her to anyone that suffers from these symptoms. She is a true life saver and is passionate about investing her time and energy into this growing field.

A. S.

Comments

Emil Roberts says

November 23, 2017 at 3:11 am

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS! my eyesight ever since working in a call center has been slowly receding due to the extended period of time working and right now I don’t have any extra money to pay for a complete check up (goddamn american hospital system)

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