Tanya MacPhee SEE CLEAR
How do you feel when you spend long periods of time in front of a computer screen? Do your eyes feel dry or tired? Does your vision ever feel blurry or do you feel like you have to strain to see? Do you get headaches or neck and shoulder pain? You might be experiencing computer vision syndrome or digital eyestrain.
The cause of computer vision syndrome usually can’t be blamed on one particular thing. There are many factors, such as the lighting in the room, glare on the screen, screen height and angle, distance from the screen, body position and of course, any existing problems with vision and eyewear.
How often are you using a computer, tablet or phone? Computer use is at an all-time high. We work with computers and then we come home and some of us spend our leisure time on a tablet or phone. We are asking our bodies to stay still, with our neck and shoulders in the same position, with our eyes in the same accommodative state, blinking less often, for several hours, each and every day.
Most computer vision syndrome symptoms disappear when computer or screen use is stopped or reduced, but some people experience problems with neck pain and headaches long after. Some people can experience blurry vision in the distance for a while after extended computer use.
Luckily, there are some simple solutions. The most obvious might be to reduce screen time, but that is not always possible. Other solutions include the 20-20-20 rule. Look at something that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds for every 20 minutes of computer use. Think of it like stretching exercises you could do for your back, neck and shoulders. You should do that, too! It is also important to make sure your screen is in an optimal position. The centre of the screen should be four to five inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away. A well-lit room is also helpful.
Another solution are glasses specifically designed for computer use. If you are a person that spends a bulk of your day in front of a computer, it might be a worthwhile investment. Some people do not need to wear glasses all of the time but have a small refractive error for near or far sightedness or astigmatism. Wearing glasses with a good anti-glare treatment, at least while using the computer, can make a big difference in visual comfort because your eyes won’t have to work so hard to see.
Age plays a big role while using computers. Once a person reaches their mid-40’s, staring at a computer screen may become more bothersome. There are many solutions for people in this category, including progressive lenses, computer lenses tailored to your specific needs or even just a basic, inexpensive single vision or bifocal lens setup for your working distance. Sometimes contact lenses can help too.
Another glasses option is specialty lenses called Eyezen Plus. These lenses are specifically designed for people who spend a lot of time in front of screens and are available for nearly all prescriptions, even zero or “plano.” There is a slight power change in the bottom of the lens, which is selected by your licenced optician to help your eyes to relax and avoid a constant accommodative state. These lenses are primarily used by people aged 20 to 45. They are digitally surfaced, always include Crizal, a high-quality, anti-glare treatment and a blue light filter. Other options, such as customization, Transitions and Prevencia are available. Talk to your optician about this lens because it offers many more benefits to your eyes and your comfort than a standard, single vision lens.
Computer vision syndrome doesn’t have to be endured. While we probably can’t avoid our computers and devices, there are some steps that can be taken to improve your day to day comfort. Your optometrist or licenced optician should take the time to ask questions, listen to your answers and make recommendations based on your visual needs. If you feel uncomfortable when you are using the computer, don’t live with it. Explore your options.
