Computer Vision Syndrome

While computers help with work or entertainment, too much exposure to digital screens can significantly impact your eye and vision health. One such issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern age is computer vision syndrome. This condition can cause eye irritation and affect your ability to work efficiently or enjoy hobbies. Fortunately, the optometry team at Precision Optometry in Rocklin, CA, can provide eye care to restore your visual clarity and comfort. Learn more about computer vision syndrome and how we can treat it below.

Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome

People who spend significant time working on computers or similar devices often complain of dry and tired eyes. These symptoms occur because computer users blink and move their eyes less frequently, causing a vision-focusing issue. This vision-focusing issue results in symptoms like blurred vision, throbbing eyes, and headaches. People with dry eyes or nearsightedness are also more prone to computer vision syndrome.

Other causes of computer vision syndrome include poor posture and ergonomics, glare and lighting reflecting on the computer screen, and eye strain from blue light. Unfortunately, computer vision syndrome results in physical symptoms, lower work quality, and reduces many computer users' enjoyment of digital devices in their leisure time.

Managing and Treating Computer Vision Syndrome

Many people gain relief from computer vision symptoms through behavioral and ergonomic adjustments. Changes that provide relief include:

•             More Frequent Blinking: Blinking lubricates the eyes, so you should use mental or visual cues to spur longer and more frequent blinking to relieve eye dryness.

•             Eye Drops: Applying over-the-counter eye drops several times daily helps lubricate the eyes.

•             Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Looking away from the monitor every 20 minutes for 20 seconds to view an object 20 feet away helps your eyes refocus and relax.

•             Workplace Changes: Your computer screen should be 25-30 inches from your eyes and slightly below eye level.

If the above does not alleviate your computer vision syndrome, contact your eye doctor to schedule an eye exam. Your eye doctor can prescribe computer eyeglasses or recommend vision therapy to treat your condition. Computer eyeglasses are specialty lenses that block blue light and prevent eye strain. Vision therapy and eye exercises train the eyes for computer use, helping alleviate specific computer vision issues.

Get Computer Vision Syndrome Treatment Today at Precision Optometry

If you are experiencing throbbing and dry eyes and need treatment from an “optometrist near you,” look no further than Precision Optometry in Rocklin, CA. Our optometrist can evaluate your eyes and recommend treatment to help you see clearly and comfortably again. Call us and schedule an eye exam today at (916) 782-2020 to achieve visual clarity and comfort while using a computer.