Computer Vision Syndrome

Various eye problems arising out of working on a computer for prolonged time are termed as “Computer Vision Syndrome” (CVS). It is essential for a computer professional to understand this syndrome, treat & prevent it if he has to continue working on a computer for many years to come.

This process will consist of 4 steps

A. Identify CVS related symptoms & understand how & why they appear.
B. Evaluate the work environment.
C. Decide whether eye examination by an expert is essential.
D. Treatment & prevention of CVS by changes in the Work environment and Body/Eyecare.

IDENTIFICATION & UNDERSTANDING OF CVS

A human eye is covered with a thin layer of tear film at all times when open.This tear film protects the delicate cornea from external offenses & also makes an extremely smooth surface of the refracting lens of the eye(i.e cornea).Constant blinking of the eyelids replenishes the tear film.
Decrease in the tear secretion, increase in its rate of breaking down,decreased blinking & irregularity of the surface/s in contact with the tear film will all contribute to the instability of tear film & therefore dry eyes. These in the form will lead to irritation;stinging in eyes,eyestrain & increase in the frequency of infection of the eyelids. Working on the computer increases the demands of the eyes. Continuously staring at the screen along with decreased blinking (due to concentrating while working)makes the tear film unstable.Increased glare from the light reflected from the screen,abnormal body posture, inappropriate placement of the computer monitor contribute to the destabilization of the tear film. This leads to eyestrain & burning/stinging.This is CVS. If there are additional eye problems like uncorrected refractive error,disorders of the eyelids, etc they increase the severity of CVS.

EVALUATE WORK ENVIRONMENT & MAKE ADEQUATE CHANGES

  1. Frequent blinking is essential for increasing the stability of tear film.
  2. After every 10 min takes your eyes off PC.
  3. Eye-wash after every hour or so, when one gets up for a short break, splash water on your eyes.
  4. Air-conditioner temperature should be between 22-23 degrees celsius. The blast of the AC should not be directed at your face. Blast on face directly increases the dryness of the eyes.

OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS

1. Contact Lens:
Also, add to the dryness factor. In fact some of the several cases of dry eyes ar seen with the combination of AC+PC+CL (air conditioner + personal computer + contact lenses) CL user should take following measures-
a. Select soft lenses over semi-soft lenses.
b. Select lenses with higher oxygen permeability.
c. In the duration of CL users exceed 12-14hrs, it is better to remove CLs for one hour during lunch.
d. Maintain the CLs in good condition i.e daily cleaning, polishing, etc.

2. Computer Glasses:
Glasses required while working on a PC can be required in two circumstances.
a. A small or minor refractive error may become symptomatic while working on PC due to increase in demand from eyes. Otherwise, these errors do not cause discomfort.
b. After 40 yrs of age, one requires separate glasses for distance & near. The PC monitor at 60cm or 24inches is not seen clearly with either of there glasses. Then, one more pair of glasses for intermediate distance may be necessary. These intermediate glasses may be prescribed as multifocal/ progressive glasses or as bifocals where the upper glasses are for intermediate distance (viewing monitor) and the lower glasses are for near (viewing keyboard & reading material).

3. Two-wheeler driving without helmet adds to the severity of CVS.

EYE EXAMINATION BY EXPERTS

If the above-mentioned measures do not relieve your eye symptoms then consultation with an eye surgeon is mandatory.

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