Your Total Guide to Computer Vision Syndrome

Do your eyes become dry, itchy, and/or red after using your computer for long periods of time? Here are some of the signs and causes of computer vision syndrome, and how your Calgary family optometrist can help protect your eye health and ensure you maintain clear and comfortable vision.

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Computer vision syndrome (digital eye strain) refers to a group of vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.  

Some symptoms of computer vision syndrome include: 

• Blurred or double vision
• Dry eyes
• Eye discomfort or fatigue
• Eye itching or redness
• Headaches 
• Red eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain 

Most of these symptoms are temporary, but in certain cases, they may affect you for a long time afterwards. The severity of your symptoms may vary depending on how long you use your digital device and if you have any underlying eye problems. 

Our Calgary Family Optometrists Can Help You Maintain Clear and Comfortable Vision

If you suffer from symptoms of computer vision syndrome, our Calgary eye doctors can help you easily reduce or eliminate any discomfort, including dry eyes, eye strain, headaches, or neck strain. 

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TREATING COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME IN CALGARY 

Am I at Risk of Developing Computer Vision Syndrome? 

Digital devices are everywhere today. With smartphones, tablets, and computers becoming a fixture in our personal and professional lives, we are spending more time staring at screens than ever before. Unfortunately, this can be very demanding on your eyes. 

You may be at a higher risk of developing computer vision syndrome if you: 

• Spend the majority of your workday at a computer or on a digital device
• Sit too close to your computer or other digital device screens
• Are viewing your digital device at the wrong angle
• Have bad posture while using your digital device or computer
• Have eye problems that have been left uncorrected
• Don’t take breaks while you are working 
• Suffer from dry eyes 

How Is Computer Vision Syndrome Diagnosed? 

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will review your medical history and symptoms with you, and discuss the presence of any general health problems, environmental factors, or medications that are being taken, which could be contributing to your symptoms. 

Your optometrist may also perform some visual acuity measurements and test how your eyes are working and focusing together. All of this information will then be used to help determine if you are suffering from computer vision syndrome (CVS). 

How Is Digital Eye Strain Corrected? 

There are several steps you can take, and lifestyle changes you can make, to help ease your CVS symptoms. You should: 

• Look away from your digital device every 20 minutes. Look at least 20 feet away into the distance and do this for at least 20 seconds. 
• Enlarge the text on your computer screen or digital device. 
• Minimize glare from the light sources in your work environment.
• Blink more often.
• Improve your posture while you are working on your computer. Fix your chair height so your feet can rest comfortably on the floor and don’t slump over your device. 
• Place your screen at least 20 inches away from your face.
• Talk to your eye doctor about blue block lenses and how they can protect your vision.
• Think about using a screen glare filter.

4 SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP REDUCE DIGITAL EYE STRAIN

Making these changes can help eliminate many symptoms of digital eye strain and help you achieve clearer and more comfortable vision. 

How Your Calgary Eye Doctor Can Help

If you have any issues that may be increasing your risk of developing digital eye strain, your eye doctor can help treat these. If you have an underlying dry eye problem, your optometrist may suggest that you: 

• Use lubricating eye drops
• Treat any allergies 
• Create a more humid work environment
• Drink more fluids
• Take prescription medication to increase tear production 

The quality of your vision greatly affects your well-being, so you should take the time and effort to look after your eye health. You should also ensure that you schedule regular eye exams with your Calgary optometrist because they can help prevent any undesirable symptoms and discomfort. 

Contact Us 

To find out how our Calgary optometrists can help you eliminate any discomfort due to digital device use and treat computer vision syndrome, contact us at our Crowfoot (403-547-5417), West Springs (403-242-0999) or Creekside (403-516-2292) branches.