Do you spend most of your day in front of the computer? Or on your phone? Do your eyes feel extremely tired and sore at that time? Maybe your head hurts too. If you have such discomfort, this is something that is very important to you.
What is Computer Vision Syndrome?
Simply put, `(Computer Vision Syndrome)` refers to a set of discomforts that occur to our eyes and body when we stare at `digital devices` like computers, tablets, and smartphones for a long time. This is also called `(Digital Eye Strain).` Think of it this way, our eyes are like two cameras. When we do the same thing over and over again, they also feel tired, right? That's how it is.
You may experience symptoms such as eye pain, itching, watery eyes, blurred vision, difficulty looking at light, and headaches. This is not a serious condition, but it can be very disruptive to daily activities. Sometimes, these symptoms can be so severe that you can't even work.
How common is this condition?
In fact, this `(Computer Vision Syndrome)` is a problem that many people have all over the world now. Research shows that more than 60 million people in the world suffer from this condition. Especially during the Covid pandemic, many people have relied on `digital devices` to work from home, study, and talk to friends. Therefore, this condition has increased even more. According to some reports, about 78% of adults have suffered from `(Computer Vision Syndrome)` during this time.
Even young children are falling prey to this. Unlike before, now they are also using phones and tablets for things like `online` classes, games, and watching cartoons. Therefore, this situation has increased to about 50% - 60% among children.
What are the symptoms of this?
Let's take a look at the most common symptoms of ``Computer Vision Syndrome''.
Eye discomfort
- Eye discomfort: This is something that most people experience. It can include dry eyes, tearing, itching, burning, or a feeling like there is sand in the eye.
- Blurred vision: Suddenly, things become unclear, then clear again after a while. This can happen especially when looking up close and then far away, or when looking down from far and then near.
- Sensitivity to bright light: It feels difficult to look at a bright light.
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open.
- Headache: A headache, especially one that comes from behind the eyes.
Pain in other parts of the body besides the eyes
Often, people with ``Computer Vision Syndrome`` also experience pain in other parts of the body. The reason for this is that we sit in front of the computer with the wrong posture, or we strain our neck to look at the ``screen.`` This is why:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
Things like that can happen.
Why does this `(Computer Vision Syndrome)` occur?
The main reason is that we spend hours staring at the `screens` of `digital devices`. Some studies suggest that even staring at a `screen` for two hours at a time can cause these symptoms. The more time you spend staring at a `screen`, the more likely you are to experience these problems.
It's not just about looking at a screen. Even when we look at something close to us, like a book, our eyes feel tired for a long time. But when we look at a screen, this fatigue is even greater. There are several reasons for this:
- Constantly changing the `Focus`: Did you know that the letters and images on a `screen` are made up of very small dots called `pixels`. So, our eyes have to constantly change the `focus` here and there to see these clearly. When we keep moving our eyes around like this, our eyes get tired.
- The `Contrast` level of the `Screen`: Often, the clear difference `(contrast)` between the text on a `Screen` and its `(background)` is low. Then our eyes have to work harder to recognize the text.
- Decreased blinking: On average, we blink about 18 to 22 times per minute. This is very important for the eyes to get the necessary moisture (lubrication). But surprisingly, when we are looking at a computer or phone, the number of blinks decreases to 3-7 times per minute! Sometimes we do not even close our eyes completely and blink. When we do not blink properly, the surface of the eyes starts to dry out.
Who is at higher risk of developing this?
If you use a computer or other digital device for more than four hours a day, you are at increased risk of developing Computer Vision Syndrome.
Also, if you have any of these conditions, symptoms may be more severe:
- If you already have `Dry Eye Disease` .
- Refractive Errors, which means conditions like nearsightedness, are not properly corrected.
- If you have an eye disease that affects the ability of the eyes to focus, for example, a condition like Convergence Insufficiency .
How do you recognize this?
To diagnose `(Computer Vision Syndrome)`, you should definitely see an `Eye Care Specialist` . He will examine your eyes carefully and ask you a few questions. He may give you a `form` to fill out, which may ask things like:
- What are your symptoms?
- How often do these symptoms occur?
- How bad are they?
The more details you give your doctor, the easier it will be for him to diagnose the condition. Therefore, tell your doctor about the amount of time you spend using digital devices, the environment you work in, the way you sit, any other medical conditions you have, the medications you take, and any eye conditions anyone in your family has.
If the doctor determines that you have ``Computer Vision Syndrome'', he will then talk to you about treatment.
How do we get rid of this `(Computer Vision Syndrome)`? (Treatment)
When treating this, we focus on three main things:
- Controlling dry eyes.
- Correcting your vision.
- Changing your routine and environment.
Your doctor will decide which methods are best for you. You may need to use several of these methods at once.
Controlling dry eyes
It is common for your eyes to dry out when you use digital devices continuously. This can lead to dry eye disease, or worsen existing conditions. Treatment involves moisturizing your eyes and reducing discomfort. Your doctor may recommend the following:
- Artificial Tears: These are a type of eye drop that can be purchased at pharmacies. They are used to add moisture to the eyes.
- Tips to Blink More: You probably don't even realize how much time you spend staring at your screen without blinking. By intentionally making a habit of blinking more, you can help your eyes heal with the tears that come from your own eyes.
- Eye drops or other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
Correcting your vision
If you have even a small amount of refractive error, it can make the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome worse. Therefore, your doctor may recommend glasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly.
Some people find a type of glasses called ``Computer Glasses`` very useful. These glasses adjust your vision to allow you to see things at intermediate distances (that is, not as close as a book, but not as far away as a TV), such as a computer ``screen,`` clearly. If you want, you can also choose lenses with ``anti-glare`` technology that reduces the glare from the ``screen.
You may have heard about glasses that block ``Blue Light.'' But research has not yet proven whether these actually have any benefits. So if you want to use such glasses, it's best to talk to your doctor about it.
Changing your routine and environment
The doctor will advise you on how to adjust your habits and environment when you use digital devices. He will ask you questions about how you sit, how long you spend looking at a device, and the lighting in the room. These small changes can make a big difference in your symptoms.
Here are some common things you can do:
- Reduce screen time: Try to use digital devices for less than four hours a day if possible.
- Take regular breaks: If you are someone who relies on digital devices for work or other reasons, take a 15-minute break every two hours. Don't look at any screen during that time. Also, give your eyes a break from looking at close objects, and follow the 20-20-20 rule . That means, every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
- Find a comfortable position: Create an ergonomic workstation , meaning a place that is comfortable for your body. This can reduce eye strain caused by leaning forward or hunching your neck while looking at the screen.
- Limit light reflection and glare: Bright light from windows and bright lamps can reflect off your computer screen and cause eye strain. Close the blinds if there is strong sunlight coming through the windows. Use low-wattage bulbs for lamps near your computer, and avoid bright overhead lights.
- Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen: Your screen brightness should be adjusted to the light level in the room. This means you will need to adjust the brightness of your screen depending on the time of day. Keeping the contrast at around 60% - 70% is comfortable for the eyes.
- Make the font bigger: Don't try to read very small fonts. If the font is not even `size 12`, try `zooming` it. Also, whenever possible, adjust the `settings` to read dark fonts on a `light background` (dark print).
How to protect yourself from `(Computer Vision Syndrome)`?
In fact, many of the tips for changing your daily routine and environment in the treatment methods we discussed above can also help protect you from this `(Computer Vision Syndrome)`.
It can be difficult to prevent eye strain, such as ``Computer Vision Syndrome'', because we rely on ``digital devices'' for work, entertainment, and socializing. But taking a break and taking a little extra care of your eyes can go a long way toward reducing the risk of these annoying, common symptoms.
Will `(Computer Vision Syndrome)` completely get better?
In most cases, symptoms go away when you reduce your screen time. However, if you are constantly using digital devices, symptoms may return or become worse. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition long-term, especially if your job requires you to use a computer for a long time.
When should we seek medical advice?
It's a good idea to see an eye doctor at least once a year to get your eyes checked. That way, you can learn about the general health of your eyes and talk about any problems you may be having.
But, in a situation like this, you should see a doctor without waiting a year:
- If new symptoms of `(Computer Vision Syndrome)` appear.
- If symptoms worsen despite treatment.
What questions should you ask your doctor?
If you are a digital device user, it may be helpful to learn more about the risk of developing Computer Vision Syndrome. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:
- Am I at risk of developing `(Computer Vision Syndrome)`?
- What symptoms should I look out for?
- What can I do to reduce eye problems caused by using digital devices?
- Do I need a prescription for new glasses or contact lenses?
- When should I wear my glasses or contact lenses?
Finally, things to remember
Computers and other digital devices make our lives easier. But they can be a bit hard on our eyes, especially if we use them for long periods of time. So, talk to an eye doctor about how you can benefit from screen time without compromising your eye comfort.
Most importantly: If you see ads for products that claim to reduce ``Digital Eye Strain,'' be sure to talk to a doctor before spending money on them. It's wise to invest your time and money in a product that has been proven to be effective through research.
Take care of your eyes!
` Computer Vision Syndrome, Digital Eye Strain, Eye Strain, Computer Eye Disease, Screen Time, Eye Health, 20-20-20 Rule
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