Computer Eye Strain Explained (and How to Avoid It)

People who spend more than two consecutive hours looking at a computer screen each day might be putting their eye health at risk. According to a 2011 British study, approximately sixty to ninety percent of office workers suffer from a condition known as computer vision syndrome. Individuals with uncorrected vision problems, a glare on their computer screen, dry eyes, poor posture or lighting, or even an improperly angled computer screen are at an increased risk.

What Is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome is a group of eye problems that are related to prolonged computer use. Symptoms may include dry eyes, accommodative and vergence difficulties, asthenopia, headaches or migraines, eye pain or discomfort, a burning sensation in the eyes, double vision, blurred vision when looking into the distance after prolonged computer use, shoulder and neck pain, and eye strain. Because these symptoms may occur as a result of another disorder, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis to determine the cause of eye problems.

Cause And Effects Of Computer Vision Syndrome

The main reason for computer vision syndrome is looking at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time without taking a break. The condition may be due to an increase in corneal exposure, a decrease in blink rate and amplitude, and being positioned in the primary gaze of computer screen light in a darkened room. A 2011 study compared the ocular discomfort of visually normal subjects who read text out loud from either a computer screen or printed hardcopy for twenty minutes. Results indicated that that group who read off a computer screen experienced significantly more blurred vision.