Do You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?
Too much screen time can cause computer vision syndrome, which can make your eyes feel dry and tired.
Dec 14, 2016
Dec 16, 2021
Menopause & Aging WellSheryl Kraft, a freelance writer and breast cancer survivor, was born in Long Beach, New York. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband Alan and dog Chloe, where her nest is empty of her two sons Jonathan. Sheryl writes articles and essays on breast cancer and contributes to a variety of publications and websites where she writes on general health and wellness issues. She earned her MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College in 2005.
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Recently, my husband, while picking up the newspaper that sat outside our door, untouched for the entire day, asked me why I still subscribe to the print version. "Isn't so much easier just to read it on the computer, especially since sometimes you miss a day?" he asked.
Apologies to all the trees and ink and eco-conscious among us, but I'm a holdout for the real thing.
Maybe it's not so bad. Maybe I'm doing my eyes a favor.
Why? Because as I was reading said paper (OK, I was a day late, but the article was still relevant), I was reminded of what the computer can do to your eyes when I read about computer vision syndrome (CVS).
CVS is a real threat to your vision. And I'm sure, like many others out there, I suffer from it. It's estimated that up to 70 million workers are at risk, especially those who spend three or more hours a day in front of a computer monitor. (You know who you are.) The American Optometric Association estimates that the average American worker is spending seven hours each day on his or her computer, by the way.
Guilty as charged.
Why you get it
CVS comes from prolonged use of any digital technology, like computers, tablets, e-readers and cell phones. It occurs because your eyes have to work harder when you look at a screen, which is so very different than looking at a printed page. It won't cause permanent eye damage, but your eyes will feel damaged—dry and tired.
Jane Brody explains it this way:
"Unlike words printed on a page that have sharply defined edges, electronic characters, which are made up of pixels, have blurred edges, making it more difficult for eyes to maintain focus. Unconsciously, the eyes repeatedly attempt to rest by shifting their focus to an area behind the screen, and this constant switch between screen and relaxation point creates eyestrain and fatigue."
Even if you wear glasses or contacts, you're susceptible because your prescription might not match up to the specific viewing distances of your screen, thus creating eyestrain. This makes it even tougher to focus and can also cause you to twist and turn and bend your head into all sorts of funny angles to help with focus—hence the headaches and neck pain that are also a part of CVS. (I have at least three types of glasses to use when I am at my computer, which I need because I often switch back and forth between print and computer work.)
There are other contributing culprits at work here: Many times, along with reading on these devices come glare, poor seating posture, bad lighting, improper viewing distances and vision problems that are uncorrected to begin with (like farsightedness and astigmatism). And then, like many other health problems, the changes that occur in your eyes with aging factors into it, too.
How you know if you have it
What can you do (besides cutting your screen time)?
When I complained to my ophthalmologist long ago about my irritated eyes, she mentioned that the problem could very well be computer-related, and I know now that she was right.
She suggested I wear my glasses, rather than my contacts, when possible, which I do, since my glasses are progressive lenses and can better handle the various distances my eyes need to travel. She also advised me to take frequent breaks and apply warm, moist compresses to my eyes when they feel irritated. I've yet to take that advice but am convinced that I need to, especially as my computer-time increases.
More reading:
Why Your Eyes Might Be Red and Itchy
Are You Protecting Your Eyes?
When to Seek Medical Help for an Eye Problem