Eye Strain
Posted by: Invision Optometry in Category Eye Health
Many of us have jobs that require us to stare at computers for hours. As a result, we can develop eye strain. Symptoms include eye discomfort, redness, fatigue, pain around the eyes, blurred vision, headache, and double vision. Eye strain can occur during prolonged visual tasks, such as reading or using a computer. It is important that you listen to your body; subtle signs and symptoms are its way of telling you that something is wrong. Asthenopia, or eye strain is often not a serious condition, however, eye strain could be a symptom of an underlying problem. The most common reason for strained eyes is computer vision syndrome.
Computer vision syndrome causes many uncomfortable eye-related symptoms such as eyestrain…
Computer Vision Syndrome
For anyone who spends more than a couple of hours a day in front of a computer, you may have symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome. While symptoms will vary from person to person, they can include headaches, tired, stressed, or burning eyes, loss of focus, and blurred or double vision. While there is no evidence that staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time can cause eye damage, it can lead to discomfort. Uncomfortable eye-related symptoms such as eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, are commonly associated with computer vision syndrome. And, while it is not easy to pinpoint the exact cause, things like poor lighting, glare from a screen, improper viewing distance, uncorrected vision problems, and poor seating posture can cause symptoms of CVS. Many of the symptoms people experience are only temporary.
Visual Symptoms
Visual symptoms will normally decline after stopping computer work or use of the device that is causing eye strain. The extent to which someone will experience visual symptoms depends on the amount of time spent looking at a computer. Computer vision syndrome results from repetitive motion, which causes discomfort over time. Viewing a digital screen often makes the eyes work harder. Those who already have eye problems, like astigmatism or nearsightedness are more vulnerable because their eyes are already straining to focus. Unlike words printed on a page that have sharply defined edges, electronic characters made up of pixels, have blurred edges. This makes it more difficult for the eyes to maintain focus.
If your eyes feel tired, irritated, or dry after spending too much time in front of the computer, you may want to consider getting an eye exam…
Eye Exam
Computer vision syndrome can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. A routine comprehensive eye exam is the most important thing you can do to prevent and treat computer vision problems. If you do wear glasses or contacts, it is important to make sure your prescription is correct. To reduce your risk of digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome, see an optometrist who specializes in computer vision care.
Comprehensive Eye Exam
At Invision Optometry, our comprehensive eye exam includes a detailed medical and ocular history, eye pressure assessment, visual acuity, peripheral vision screening, muscle balance testing, determination of your prescription, a neurological assessment, and a detailed internal and external ocular health examination. Call us at (619) 222-2020 to learn how we can help.
