Computers and digital devices are an important part of our lives. Research shows a rise in visual problems related to computer use, called Computer Vision Syndrome.

Symptoms of CVS:

1. Headaches
2. Eyestrain
3. Double vision
4. Eye irritation
5. Excessive tearing or dry eyes
6. Excessive blinking

Prevention:

1. Put your screen at arm’s length from the eye and 20 degrees below eye level
2. Room lighting should be similar to lighting on computer screen (ie: do not look at computer in a dark room)
3. Use anti-reflective lenses in your glasses
4. 20-20- 20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20 seconds break and look at something 20 feet away
5. Remember to blink to avoid dryness
6. Minimize glare on the screen by using anti-glare screen covers

Treatment:

Having small uncorrected refractive errors such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia can put extra strain on your eyes, and make vision less comfortable and less efficient. A routine eye exam with an optometrist will determine if you will benefit from glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.

Although headaches, double vision, eye irritation and tearing are all signs of CVS, they can also be signs of other more serious conditions, and so a comprehensive eye exam is warranted when you experience these symptoms.